Kinabatangan sees three-way contest, Lamag sees straight fight
KINABATANGAN: The Kinabatangan parliamentary seat will see a three-cornered fight between Barisan Nasional, Warisan and an independent candidate, while it will be a straight fight between the two parties for the Lamag state seat.
For the Kinabatangan seat, Barisan’s Mohd Naim Kurniawan Moktar will face Warisan’s Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman and an independent candidate, Goldam Hamid, who is a lawyer.
In Lamag, Barisan’s Mohd Ismail Ayob, popularly known as Miha, will go head to head with Warisan’s Mazliwati Abdul Malek Chua.
Mohd Naim Kurniawan, 31, was picked by Barisan to defend the Kinabatangan seat, which his father had held for six terms since 1999.
Saddi, a former Sukau assemblyman, is making his first bid for the parliamentary seat, while Goldam, a local from Kinabatangan, said he is contesting to offer voters an alternative choice.
Mazliwati, a lawyer and the daughter of former Kuamut assemblyman, the late Datuk Abdul Malek Chua, had contested the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat under the Warisan ticket in the 2020 General Election, replacing Mohd Ismail, who was unable to contest due to issues with his Election Commission documents.
Sabah Barisan chief Datuk Jafry Arifin said the coalition will continue with its efforts to bring political stability, development and prosperity for the people.
“We have presented two capable candidates, Mohd Naim Kurniawan for Kinabatangan and Mohd Ismail Ayob for Lamag.
“Both candidates will use the two weeks of campaigning to explain to the constituents on Barisan’s aspirations as well as development plans for Sabah,” he said in a statement.
Jafry said the selection of the two candidates were made based on local acceptance, leadership ability and their capability to serve the people with consistency and quality, a proof of commitment to ensure political stability and continued prosperity for the people.
He said Mohd Naim Kurniawan brings a youthful energy that is progressive and close to the aspirations of the people while Mohd Ismail is an experienced leader who understands the needs of Lamag.


