Barisan Nasional is not taking the upcoming by-elections lightly but holds an advantage, says Ahmad Maslan, as candidates are named.
KINABATANGAN: Barisan Nasional (BN) is not taking the competition in the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections lightly.
UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said this is due to candidates being fielded by other parties, though he is confident BN has the advantage.
“BN may have the advantage in gaining sympathy votes following the passing of former Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, but don’t be too confident,” he told reporters.
He added there is no point in switching parties as BN previously won both seats.
Ahmad urged voters to give the two young BN candidates a chance to maintain the coalition’s victory.
The by-elections were triggered by the death of the incumbent, Bung Moktar, on 5 December.
BN has named Mohd Naim Kurniawan, Bung Moktar’s son, as its candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat.
For the Lamag state seat, BN is fielding former Independent candidate Mohd Ismail Ayob, known as Miha.
Parti Warisan has named former Sukau assemblyman Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman for Kinabatangan.
The party’s Supreme Council member Mazliwati Abdul Malek will contest the Lamag seat.
The Election Commission has set nomination day for tomorrow, with polling on 24 January.
Early voting is scheduled for 20 January.
