KINABATANGAN: Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman and Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin will face a six-corner contest for the Lamag (N58) state seat.
He filed his nomination papers at Dewan Sri Lamag on Saturday (Nov 15).
Bung first won the Lamag seat in 2020, and he is banking on local support to retain the constituency.
The Kinabatangan MP seeks a renewed mandate in a closely watched district battleground.
His challengers reflect a mix of youth, newcomers and seasoned grassroots activists.
They are Mohd Saifulah Lokman (Warisan), 31, and Mazlin Madali (Perikatan Nasional), 43.
They also include Salahuddin @ Saalehuddin Anoi (PIS), and Johainizamshah Johari (GRS–Gagasan), 39.
Independent candidate Mohd Ismail Ayob also filed his papers with a small group of supporters.
According to Election Commission candidate numbers, Bung is No. 1.
Johainizamshah is No. 2, Salahuddin is No. 3 and Saifulah is No. 4.
Independent Mohd Ismail Ayob is No. 5 and Mazlin Madali is No. 6.
The nomination centre drew steady crowds from dawn with walkways packed with party flags.
Bamboo pole flags handcrafted overnight were a common sight in rural Kinabatangan.
RELA and police personnel managed traffic along the narrow access roads.
Supporters gathered in clusters outside the main hall.
Returning officer Yuesri Ismail Yusof opened nominations at 9am.
Candidates were ushered through document checks by EC officers.
The process wrapped up smoothly with no objections filed.
Lamag is one of the largest constituencies geographically.
Its remote villages often prioritise security, infrastructure and livelihood issues during campaigns.
With six candidates, residents can expect an intense two week campaign.
Polling for the Sabah election is on November 29.
Early voting is set for November 25.
