PBB asking for the opposition to stay out of the upcoming Tanjong Datu by-election has been called "ridiculous, immature and ignorant".

Abdul Aziz Isa, special assistant to Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen, was responding to PBB secretary-general Stephen Rundi Utom, who had yesterday urged the opposition not to contest in the upcoming by-election.

The Tanjong Datu seat fell vacant after the passing of late Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem earlier this month.

"As a politician, Stephen Rundi should know that Malaysia is a democratic country, not a communist country like China, Cuba or North Korea.

"This is not a question of respect for the late Adenan.

"It is about electing a capable person who could be entrusted by the constituents with the responsibility," Abdul Aziz said in a statement today.

There is a difference between respect and responsibility, he said, adding that the opposition has the right and prerogative to contest for any vacant state seat, despite the purported admiration and love for Adenan in Sarawak.

"Yes, Sarawakians love the late Adenan, but that does not necessarily mean that they love BN," Abdul Aziz said.

Pakatan Harapan is needed to bring change to the country as a whole, he said, as the rakyat are plagued by a troubled economic situation, abuse of power, increase in costs of living and social unrest.

He said contesting in the Tanjong Datu by-election will add pressure to the ruling government to fulfil its promises made in the last state election.

The Tanjong Datu by-election should be treated as a litmus test for BN, to gauge the rakyat's support for their leadership, Abdul Aziz said.

"If they are very confident to win the by-election, then they should be brave enough to face the voters.

"The voters need to be given a choice to choose their next elected representative," he said.

The Election Commission yesterday announced the Tanjong Datu by-election will be held on Feb 18.

In April last year, the popular Adenan had led BN to a landslide win in the state election.