BARISAN Nasional does not anticipate an intense contest in the run-up to the Lamag state and Kinabatangan parliamentary by-elections scheduled for 24 January, according to its chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the relatively calm outlook was due to Sabah having only recently concluded its state election on 29 November, while the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat still has around two years remaining in its current term.
“I do not see the need for a very, very fierce campaign and we also know each other and we are also friends,” he said.
“What is important for the Kinabatangan parliamentary constituency is the continuation of the best service carried out by the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, which can be continued by his son, Mohd Naim Kurniawan Moktar,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid was responding to questions on the possibility of straight fights in both Lamag and Kinabatangan against candidates from Parti Warisan.
He said BN’s decision to field Mohd Ismail Ayob, who previously contested as an Independent in the recent Sabah state election, was aimed at preventing further fragmentation among voters in Lamag. Mohd Ismail had narrowly lost to Bung Moktar by just 153 votes in that contest.
BN hopes that by nominating Mohd Ismail as its candidate, he will be able to rally his previous supporters and consolidate BN voters to secure victory, Ahmad Zahid said.
On the opposing side, Warisan announced yesterday that former Sukau state assemblyman Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman would be its candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election.
The party has also named Mazliwati Abdul Malek, who previously contested the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat in the 15th general election, as its candidate for the Lamag state by-election.
Both the Lamag and Kinabatangan seats were vacated following the death of Bung Moktar, who was also Sabah BN chairman, on 5 December.
The Election Commission has set polling day for both by-elections on 24 January, with nomination day on 10 January and early voting scheduled for 20 January.
Bung Moktar had successfully defended the Lamag state seat in the 17th Sabah state election held on 29 November. - January 6, 2025
