POLITICAL rivals who once clashed on the campaign trail are now joining forces under the banner of Barisan Nasional, as the coalition seeks to consolidate support and promote unity ahead of the Lamag state by-election.
Barisan Nasional’s candidate for Lamag, Mohd Ismail Ayob, better known as Miha, told supporters at a community meet-the-people programme that old political differences had been set aside to prioritise the development of Lamag and the wider Kinabatangan area.
“Previously, we may have differed in political views, but today we are aligned and united. What matters now is that we share the same objective – to develop Lamag and Kinabatangan,” Miha said, highlighting the significance of collaboration over partisan rivalry.
Describing the current cooperation as a milestone for local politics, he added, “This is a moment where unity matters more than past contests. What is important is moving forward together.”
Also present at the event was Mohd Naim Kurniawan Moktar, BN’s candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat. He acknowledged that Miha’s integration into Barisan initially surprised some observers but framed it as a positive development for the coalition and the constituency.
“Some people were surprised by the party and Miha’s decision, but we are now in the same house. Once you are in the same house, you protect it and make it work,” The Star quoted Naim saying. He stressed that political unity should not be undermined by internal divisions and warned that continued fragmentation would weaken the constituency.
“Different backgrounds do not mean different goals. Both sides want progress for Lamag. The time for divisive politics should end,” he added, urging supporters to back the BN candidate wholeheartedly to ensure effective leadership on the ground.
The gathering, held at Miha’s residence, formed part of a series of grassroots engagements designed to strengthen community ties and consolidate support ahead of the by-election.
The Lamag by-election was necessitated by the death of incumbent assemblyman Bung Moktar Radin on December 5. Nomination day is scheduled for January 10, early voting on January 20, and polling day on January 24. - January 3, 2025
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