Twin by-elections in Kinabatangan and Lamag test voter sentiment with results expected by 10pm, focusing on local development and infrastructure.
PETALING JAYA: Voters in Kinabatangan and Lamag go to the polls today in twin by-elections triggered by the Dec 5 death of long-serving MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Bung Moktar, who died at the age of 66, was a dominant figure in Kinabatangan’s political landscape, having represented the constituency for decades.
His passing has opened up a rare contest for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat, turning what might otherwise have been routine polls into a closely watched test of voter sentiment ahead of the next Sabah election.
The Kinabatangan constituency comprises three state seats – Sukau, Lamag and Kuamut – with 48,722 registered voters. It is witnessing a three-cornered fight among Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar, Parti Warisan’s Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman and independent Goldam Hamid.
The Lamag state seat, with 13,899 voters, sees a straight contest between BN’s Mohd Ismail Ayob and Warisan’s Mazliwati Abdul Malek.
Early voting on Monday saw a turnout of 176 of 189 eligible police personnel and their spouses.
Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said results for both seats are expected as early as 10pm despite logistical challenges in transporting ballot boxes from remote centres.
He said some locations rely on helicopter and boat services but all ballot boxes would reach the official tallying centre at Dewan Sri Lamag within the stipulated timeframe.
On the campaign trail, candidates focused heavily on local development issues, reflecting long-standing concerns over infrastructure, public amenities and economic opportunities in the largely rural constituencies.
In Kinabatangan, BN candidate Mohd Kurniawan, 31, son of the late Bung Moktar, said he is confident the coalition would retain the seat, citing its solid grassroots machinery and continued voter support.
“I am confident in all three seats, but Sukau is my hometown, so my confidence there is especially high.”
Mohd Kurniawan, who is also Kinabatangan Umno Youth chief, unveiled a 10-point manifesto pledging institutional reforms and development initiatives.
These include establishing a Kinabatangan Strategic Development Council with opposition representation, tabling of financial reports every six months, setting up of a collection centre for marine and river produce, introducing public transport services, creating a Kinabatangan foundation for education, welfare and emergency aid, and developing a tourism hub.
He also promised TVET programmes, free e-tuition and periodic health screenings.
“I do not come with sweet promises. I come with a work plan that can be audited, monitored and questioned by the people. I want Kinabatangan to move forward through work, not rhetoric.”
Saddi is banking on his decade-long experience as Sukau assemblyman to bring the voice of Kinabatangan to Parliament.
He aims to lift the district out of poverty and address long-standing infrastructure problems, particularly road connectivity.
Goldam, 40, unveiled a 10-point manifesto on Facebook, pledging better roads, water and electricity supply, education aid of RM2,000 for public university students and stronger rural healthcare services.
In Lamag, BN’s Mohd Ismail, popularly known as Miha, launched a manifesto with seven pledges such as PPR housing for the B40 and M40 groups, improved roads, electricity, water and internet access, tourism and handicraft development, a skills institute in Kinabatangan, a sports complex, a new township dubbed Bandar Seri Milian, and a RM1,000 incentive for youths pursuing higher education and newly married couples.
By tonight, Kinabatangan and Lamag will not only have new representatives but clearer signals of Sabah’s political direction.
