PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional’s supreme council will meet to discuss preparations for possible by-elections in Sabah following the death of Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, said Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (pic).
The Barisan secretary-general said further clarification is needed from the Election Commission on the status of the Lamag state seat and the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat before any decision can be made.
“Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is aware of the situation and will convene a Barisan supreme council meeting once an official announcement on the vacancies is made,” he said.
On Friday, Bung Moktar, 66, who won the Lamag seat in the recent Sabah polls, passed away at a private hospital due to severe lung infection and kidney complications.
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya’s Prof Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Bung Moktar’s demise may create a leadership gap within Umno in Sabah due to a temporary weakening of grassroots machinery and a drop in morale among his supporters.
“But his political legacy remains strong in Kinabatangan and Lamag, which could win sympathy votes for Barisan and Umno,” he said.
He added that Barisan will still need to strategise carefully given the strong “Sabah First” sentiment during the recent state polls.
“The polls also showed that young voters in Sabah prioritised current issues over party loyalty. If Barisan fails to manage perception and strategy well, the outcome could shift, especially at the parliamentary level,” he added.
He said Barisan must field a candidate who reflects Bung Moktar’s aspirations.
Universiti Sains Malaysia political scientist Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said that while Barisan is likely to receive some sympathy support due to Bung Moktar’s long service and strong rapport with the people, it will not be a decisive factor.
“The outcome will still depend on Barisan’s ability to consolidate its election machinery and avoid internal divisions.
“Barisan, particularly Umno, must emphasise unity, avoid factionalism and identify a candidate who mirrors Bung Moktar’s connection with the grassroots.
“A locally accepted, service-oriented candidate will be crucial in retaining both seats,” he said, adding that Barisan must also act quickly to fill the temporary vacuum left by Bung Moktar.
