KOTA KINABALU: The upcoming Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections will test whether parties in Sabah’s newly formed unity government can work together effectively at the grassroots level, says Barisan Nasional candidate Naim Kurniawan Bung.
Naim, Barisan’s candidate for Kinabatangan, said the contest would be a real measure of on-the-ground cooperation among coalition partners, especially with Warisan fielding candidates for both seats.
“This will be a tough fight because the Warisan candidates are experienced. It is a good test for the Sabah unity government – whether party members can truly work together as one,” Naim said yesterday, commenting on Warisan’s decision to field former Sukau assemblyman Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman in Kinabatangan.
Warisan also named supreme council member Mazliwati Abdul Malek Chua to contest the Lamag state seat against Barisan candidate Mohd Ismail Ayob @Miha, who ran as an independent for Lamag in the 17th Sabah election.
The Jan 24 by-elections were called following the death of incumbent Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin on Dec 5 last year.
Bung Moktar, Naim’s father, had held both seats. Nomination day is set for Jan 10.
Warisan deputy president Datuk Darell Leiking said the party respected the late Bung Moktar and was offering voters with an alternative by putting forward local candidates to represent Sabahans’ voices in the Madani government.
Political observers generally see Barisan holding an advantage in both seats, with the sympathy factor expected to benefit Naim, 31.
“Barisan benefits from emotional support following Bung Moktar’s passing, along with traditional loyalty and patronage.
“Media coverage, especially on social media, has also evoked nostalgia for his positive legacy,” said Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) political analyst assoc prof Dr Lee Kuok Tiung.
He cautioned that aggressive attacks on Bung Moktar during the campaign could backfire and further strengthen sympathy for Barisan.
Prof Lee added that Barisan should avoid bringing in politicians from the peninsula to campaign and instead rely on Sabahan leaders.
Sabah UiTM senior lecturer Tony Paridi Bagang agrees that it would be a test for the fledgling state GRS coalition partners to work together, though Barisan remains favoured.
He noted that Warisan’s support base in Lamag appeared “narrow and fragmented” in the last state election, where its candidate lost the deposit and finished fourth.
“The Barisan candidate also benefits from strong personal appeal and lingering sympathy linked to Bung Moktar’s legacy.”
However, Tony said Warisan could mount a stronger challenge in Kinabatangan, where it secured a sizeable vote share in GE15, though Barisan still holds the edge due to emotional ties to Bung Moktar.
In the Nov 29 state election, Warisan lost all three state seats in the Kinabatangan area, with Lamag and Sukau won by Barisan and Kuamut by GRS.
