Bung Moktar's Son Mohd Naim Kurniawan BN's Candidate For Kinabatangan Seat

SEKINCHAN, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- Barisan Nasional (BN) president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has confirmed that Mohd Naim Kurniawan, the son of former Sabah UMNO chairman the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, has been named as the coalition's candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat in the by-election to be held next month.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said he had informed Mohd Naim of the matter and instructed him to begin campaign activities to ensure the seat remains in BN’s hands.

“As is known, GRS will not be fielding a candidate, and I have contacted the Sabah Chief Minister regarding this, as well as several other parties, which may also not contest as they have just gone through a state election.

“So perhaps the best approach is to hold discussions. Moreover, with the 16th General Election possibly less than two years away, I think it is better to conserve our energy,” he said when met after officiating the launch of the Desa Kirana Comprehensive Package Announcement Ceremony here today.

Asked about the possibility of BN winning the seat easily, Ahmad Zahid said the party would not underestimate the political situation in Sabah.

“We must never take victory lightly. We do not know whether independent candidates may come forward, or whether small parties in Sabah may also decide to contest.

“But ideally, we should give Naim the opportunity to win, as he will only be completing the remainder of the late Bung Moktar’s service, and I hope there will be continuity,” he said.

Commenting on the Lamag state seat, he said the announcement of the candidate and related negotiations would be handled by Sabah UMNO chairman Datuk Jaffry Ariffin.

He said several names had been submitted so far, and the announcement would be made in soon.

The Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and the Lamag state seat fell vacant following the death of Bung Moktar, who was also Sabah BN chairman, on Dec 5.

The Election Commission (EC) has set polling day for the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections on Jan 24, 2026, with nomination day and early voting scheduled for Jan 10 and Jan 20 respectively.

Bung Moktar had defended the Lamag state seat in the 17th Sabah State Election on Nov 29.

‎-- BERNAMA