Political Stability Boosts Support For BN In Kinabatangan, Lamag By-elections

KINABATANGAN, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- Political stability in Sabah and the formation of the Unity Government in the state are among the main factors driving voter support for Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections.

Sabah BN chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin said over nine days of campaigning, the local community’s reception towards both BN candidates has been very positive.

“So far, the response towards Barisan Nasional candidates has indeed been encouraging. The parliamentary candidate has covered almost the entire Kinabatangan constituency, and the same goes for the Lamag state candidate.

“What matters most to voters is political stability in Sabah, which is capable of driving the state’s economy and, in turn, allowing the people to enjoy prosperity and development implemented by the state government,” he told Bernama here today.

The Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment said feedback at the grassroots level indicates that some voters believe supporting opposition parties no longer offers an advantage, as the state government has already been formed through cooperation between BN and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), thereby creating political stability.

At the same time, Jafry said there is strong synergy between the parliamentary and Lamag state candidates, both of whom are young, giving them an advantage in engaging voters.

He said this factor aligns with the voter demographics in Kinabatangan, where more than half of the 48,722 registered voters, or 57.17 per cent, are young voters, making them the key deciding group in the by-elections.

In addition, he said BN’s campaign approach does not focus on large-scale rallies but instead prioritises face-to-face campaigning through small-group engagements and door-to-door visits.

“This approach is seen as more effective as candidates can meet more voters,” he said.

Jafry added that several campaign events involving the party’s top leadership, including BN chairman and UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, are scheduled to be held soon.

The Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election sees BN candidate Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar facing Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman (Warisan) and Goldam Hamid (Independent).

Meanwhile, the Lamag state by-election will see a straight fight between Mohd Ismail Ayob (BN) and Mazliwati Abdul Malek (Warisan).

Both by-elections are being held following the death of the incumbent, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, 66, on Dec 5 last year.

The Election Commission has set the polling day for Jan 24, with early voting scheduled for this Tuesday.

-- BERNAMA