The Kinabatangan by-election will gauge the enduring influence of the late Bung Moktar Radin and the strength of Sabah BN among young voters.
KINABATANGAN: The upcoming parliamentary by-election here will serve as a significant test of the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s political legacy.
Analysts say his influence remains strong among local voters, particularly the youth, after he held the Kinabatangan seat for over two decades.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah senior lecturer Dr Haryati Abdul Karim said the poll is crucial for assessing how his political influence translates into voter support following his death.
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She noted his record of helping the local community regardless of background remains fresh in voters’ minds, despite ongoing development challenges in the constituency.
“The question is whether young voters will choose between the narrative of development or the continuity of his legacy,” she told Bernama.
Haryati believes they will lean towards Bung Moktar, as he consistently championed development in the area throughout his life.
The by-election will also test Sabah Barisan Nasional’s ability to rebound after winning only six state seats in the last Sabah election.
A smaller field of candidates allows voters a clearer choice, making victory very meaningful for Sabah BN as it seeks to strengthen its position within the state government.
More than half of Kinabatangan voters are youths aged 18 to 39, making them the kingmakers.
Their voting patterns tend to favour leadership continuity and future promises over mere party loyalty, Haryati added.
Universiti Teknologi MARA senior lecturer Tony Paridi Bagang said Kinabatangan is a rural seat that requires both development and leadership continuity.
“The BN candidate is a young person and surely will have new ideas, approaches and aspirations to offer,” he said.
He noted that leadership legacy and sympathy towards Bung Moktar will provide an advantage for the coalition.
Parti Warisan remains the main contender based on past electoral support, Tony Paridi added.
Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar of BN, Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman of Warisan and independent Goldam Hamid are contesting the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat.
For the concurrent Lamag state by-election, Mohd Ismail Ayob of BN will face Mazliwati Abdul Malek of Warisan.
Campaigning runs until 11.59 pm on January 23, with polling day set for January 24 and early voting on January 20. – Bernama
