Kinabatangan UMNO Youth chief Mohd Naim Kurniawan meets three vital prerequisites to be BN’s candidate for the upcoming parliamentary by-election
KINABATANGAN: Barisan Nasional has confirmed its candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election.
Kinabatangan UMNO Youth chief Mohd Naim Kurniawan Moktar fulfils three vital prerequisites for the role.
Sabah UMNO liaison committee chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin (pic) listed the prerequisites as organisation legitimacy, grassroots acceptance and the ability to carry the voters’ mandate.
He stated that Mohd Naim Kurniawan’s fulfilment of these prerequisites was important.
Jafry explained that continuity of leadership within the framework of political science did not revolve around blood relations only.
“He was chosen on considerations of party institution, grassroots support and carries the continued struggle translated through service and not mere symbolism,” Jafry said.
He added that the by-election was a test of political institutional stability and voters’ trust.
It also tests BN’s ability to retain a development mandate in a challenging and strategic area.
Jafry, who is also Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, said Sabah UMNO welcomed the step.
He stated the party would stand strong, united and focused to champion the voices of Kinabatangan residents.
BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed Mohd Naim Kurniawan as the coalition’s candidate today.
The candidacy follows the death of incumbent Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin on Dec 5.
Bung Moktar also won the Lamag state seat during the 17th Sabah state election on Nov 29.
The Election Commission has set Jan 24, 2026 as polling day for both by-elections.
Nominations are scheduled for Jan 10 with early voting on Jan 20.
