Sabah BN chairman Jafry Ariffin expresses gratitude for GRS campaign support ahead of Saturday’s by-elections in Kinabatangan and Lamag.
KINABATANGAN: Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah has thanked Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) for its commitment to supporting BN candidates in the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections.
Sabah BN chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the support came via directives from Sabah Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to mobilise campaign machinery in Lamag, Kuamut and Sukau.
He said the cooperation reflects a shared commitment to political stability and respecting the principle of incumbency in both contests.
“I am deeply grateful to Datuk Seri Hajiji. Politics is dynamic, nothing is rigid and it changes according to time and circumstances,” Jafry told Bernama.
He added that a meeting involving GRS, the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) and BN will be held in Kota Kinabalu today to strengthen campaign efforts ahead of polling on Saturday.
Jafry urged BN candidates and machinery to continue working hard until campaigning ends at 11.59 pm on January 23.
“I hope everyone can unite and give their full commitment to ensure victory for Barisan Nasional candidates,” he said.
He noted that Deputy Chief Minister I and acting Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam will assist in the Lamag campaign.
Commenting on opposition narratives about local parties, Jafry described it as political rhetoric with no substantive difference.
He stressed that BN continues to support GRS as part of the state government, and Sabahans’ rights remain safeguarded.
The Kinabatangan by-election is a three-cornered fight involving BN’s Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar, Warisan’s Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman and independent Goldam Hamid.
The Lamag state seat is a straight fight between BN’s Mohd Ismail Ayob and Warisan’s Mazliwati Abdul Malek.
Both by-elections were triggered by the death of incumbent Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin on December 5 last year.
Early voting is scheduled for tomorrow, with polling day set for Saturday.
