NOMINATION proceedings for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and Lamag state seat commenced promptly at 9 a.m. at the Dewan Sri Lamag nomination centre today, running smoothly under the watchful eye of the Royal Malaysian Police and with full compliance to the Election Commission’s regulations.
Barisan Nasional candidate and Kinabatangan Umno Youth Chief, Mohd Naim Kurniawan Moktar, submitted his nomination papers for the parliamentary seat at 9.09 a.m., while Mohd Ismail Ayob, popularly known as Miha and a former independent candidate in the 17th Sabah State Election, filed his nomination for the Lamag state seat at the same time.
Former Sukau state assemblyman and Warisan candidate, Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman, entered the race for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat at 9.20 a.m., followed shortly after by independent contender Goldam Hamid, a lawyer, who lodged his nomination at 9.32 a.m.
For the Lamag state seat, Warisan candidate and party supreme council member Mazliwati Abdul Malek Chua submitted her nomination at 9.25 a.m., officially entering the contest for the by-election.
The orderly submission of nominations marks the formal start of the by-election process, with candidates representing both established parties and independent platforms stepping forward to contest the seats left vacant following the death of incumbent Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Returning officer Eddy Syaizul Rizam Abdullah will finalise the list of eligible candidates at 10 a.m., after which the campaign period will officially begin ahead of polling day set for January 24, with early voting scheduled for January 20.
The nomination day unfolded without incident, reflecting the authorities’ focus on maintaining security and procedural compliance during this high-profile electoral exercise in Sabah. - January 10, 2026
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