BARISAN Nasional (BN) candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election, Naim Kurniawan Bung Moktar, has urged voters to carefully evaluate candidates based on their sincerity and commitment to public service.
He stressed that the election represents more than political rivalry—it is a responsibility to ensure the interests and welfare of the local community are faithfully represented.
“The people must evaluate who is truly sincere in serving with wholehearted commitment, and who brings goals and a mission aligned with the aspirations of the Kinabatangan community,” Naim Kurniawan said in a statement.
He added that voters should make rational and measured assessments to safeguard the continuity of development initiatives and the well-being of the constituency.
“It is essential that the choice made preserves ongoing initiatives and enhances the welfare of the people in Kinabatangan,” he noted.
The by-election follows the passing of Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, a veteran Sabah politician who served multiple terms as the area’s Member of Parliament.
Observers say the contest is not only about filling the vacancy but also serves as a gauge of political sentiment in Sabah, particularly regarding support for parties within the Unity Government.
BN has clarified that its decision to field candidates for both the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state seats is not a plea for sympathy but a determination to retain constituencies previously held by the late Bung Moktar.
BN War Room Secretariat chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said both seats were last occupied by Bung Moktar Radin, and the coalition is confident that voters will select representatives capable of effectively serving the community.
He explained that BN deliberately nominated younger candidates—Mohd Naim Kurniawan Moktar for the parliamentary seat and Mohd Ismail Ayob for Lamag—to address youth concerns and local development needs.
“While rival candidates bring experience, we are confident both nominees can compete effectively, particularly with Naim’s grassroots exposure through years of work alongside his late father,” Ahmad Maslan said.
The coalition also highlighted strategic campaign planning, including support from 27 polling district centres locally and additional “adopted” divisions across Sabah and the country.
Ahmad thanked coalition partners and the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) for not contesting the seats, enabling BN to focus fully on its campaign.
The Kinabatangan by-election is widely regarded as crucial for determining the continuity of leadership in the area and maintaining momentum in local development projects, as well as assessing broader political trends in Sabah. - January 9, 2025
