BN’s Ahmad Zahid says Mohd Naim Kurniawan Moktar will continue his late father Bung Moktar’s service legacy in the Kinabatangan by-election.
PUTRAJAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) hopes the legacy of service in Kinabatangan will be continued by its candidate, Mohd Naim Kurniawan Moktar. He is the son of the late incumbent Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Mohd Naim is expected to carry on his father’s best service to the constituency. He stressed the importance of continuity for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat.
Ahmad Zahid said BN’s approach is to ensure its good service continues for the people of Sabah. He spoke after attending the 2026 New Year Address Ceremony of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development.
On the Lamag state by-election, BN is offering independent candidate Mohd Ismail Ayob to become its direct candidate. Ahmad Zahid said this is to avoid a split in support among the local community.
Mohd Ismail contested as an independent in the last Sabah state election. He lost to the late Bung Moktar by a majority of just 153 votes.
“We hope he will be able to win back his supporters and unite BN voters to secure a victory,” Ahmad Zahid said. He added this would allow the best service to be delivered.
The Election Commission set January 10 as nomination day and January 24 as polling day. The by-elections follow the death of Bung Moktar in Kota Kinabalu on December 5.
Warisan has named former Sukau assemblyman Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman and Mazliwati Abdul Malek as its candidates. Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced GRS will not field candidates.
