THE campaign for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and the Lamag state constituency has entered a critical phase, with Barisan Nasional (BN) reporting a significant groundswell of support based on the promise of economic continuity.
Sabah BN Chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin noted that after nine days of canvassing, the local community’s reception toward both BN candidates has been overwhelmingly positive.
Jafry, who also serves as the Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, observed that the electorate now prioritises a landscape that fosters growth.
"So far, the reception for the Barisan Nasional candidates seems quite good. The candidate has covered almost the entire Kinabatangan Parliamentary constituency, as has the candidate for the Lamag state seat," he stated during an interview on Sunday.
He added that for the voters, the crux of the matter remains the political stability in Sabah which is capable of generating the state economy, thus allowing the people to enjoy the prosperity and development implemented by the state government.
Analysis of grassroots feedback suggests a shifting tide in voter sentiment, with many concluding that backing opposition parties offers little strategic advantage.
This shift is attributed to the established cooperation between BN and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which has successfully formed a stable state administration.
Beyond the structural advantages of the incumbent coalition, the demographic profile of the region has played a decisive role in BN’s strategy.
With 57.17 per cent of the 48,722 registered voters falling into the youth category, the coalition has fielded two young candidates to mirror the electorate's makeup.
The synergy between the Kinabatangan parliamentary candidate and the Lamag state candidate is viewed as a distinct advantage in establishing a rapport with these younger decision-makers.
Eschewing large-scale rallies, the BN machinery has instead pivoted toward a more intimate "face-to-face" approach, involving small group meetings and door-to-door visits.
Jafry maintained that this approach is seen as more effective because the candidates have the opportunity to meet more residents who will be voting later.
As the campaign nears its conclusion, high-profile figures including BN Chairman and UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi are expected to arrive for a final series of engagements.
The Kinabatangan parliamentary race features BN’s Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar against Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman of Warisan and independent candidate Goldam Hamid.
Simultaneously, the Lamag state seat will see a straight fight between BN’s Mohd Ismail Ayob and Warisan’s Mazliwati Abdul Malek.
The dual by-elections were necessitated following the passing of the long-serving incumbent, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, on 5 December last year.
The Election Commission has scheduled early voting for this Tuesday, with the general polling day set for 24 January. - January 19, 2026
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