KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is likely to sit out the upcoming Lamag and Kinabatangan by-elections, opting instead to give way and support Barisan Nasional (Barisan), says its chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Hajiji, who is also the Sabah Chief Minister, said the two seats were previously won by Barisan and GRS was inclined to respect the outcome by not fielding candidates.
“We will discuss this within GRS, but I want to state that it is most likely we will not contest. We will give respect to the party that won, especially since they are part of the state government now,” he said when met by reporters after the Sabah state assembly sitting here, Tuesday (Dec 16).
He added that GRS was prepared to give way and assist Barisan in ensuring victory in both constituencies.
When asked whether the decision applied to both Lamag state seat and Kinabatangan parliamentary seat, Hajiji said the matter would be discussed further with Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“That is what we want to discuss. But in principle, we will give way,” he said.
Earlier, Sabah Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin said Sabah Umno will first discuss with GRS before fielding candidates at the seats, saying that the party is now waiting for feedback from Hajiji regarding the proposed talks.
Jafry, who is the Sukau assemblyman, said Sabah Umno, in principle, sees that Barisan should defend both seats based on the history and record of the incumbent, the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
“We have already received commitment from the grassroots level to continue the work to ensure that the Kinabatangan seat and the Lamag seat are won, if given the space and opportunity,” he said.
The Election Commission has set Kinabatangan and Lamag by-elections for Jan 24, 2026, with nominations on Jan 10 and early voting on Jan 20, following the death of its incumbent Bung Moktar.
