![[UPDATED] Sabah BN to field different candidates for Lamag, Kinabatangan by-elections](https://prwire.my/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/UPDATED-Sabah-BN-to-field-different-candidates-for-Lamag-Kinabatangan.jpg)
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Barisan Nasional will defend the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state seats in the upcoming election, but will field different candidates.
State BN chief Datuk Seri Jafry Ariffin said the coalition has identified four potential candidates after meeting with branch leaders, polling district chiefs and grassroots leaders in Lamag, and listened to their views.
The seats fell vacant with the death of Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin on Dec 5.
When asked whether Bung’s son Naim Kurniawan would be among the shortlisted candidates, Jafry declined comment.
However, he hinted that the names of the candidates would be finalised in the week before nomination day on Jan 10.
“There will definitely be new faces. The main criterion is the ability to win. Kinabatangan is a traditional Barisan Nasional stronghold.
“What matters most is winning; while the previous majority was smaller, I am confident we can improve it this time,” he said after chairing a meeting at Sabah Umno headquarters building.
The state tourism, culture and environment minister also said he had met Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor privately and sought his blessing for BN to defend the seats.
“In principle, he more or less agreed, and I will convey this to the Umno president.”
He also thanked Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading Sabah Umno.
The new deputy is Datuk Mohd Hasnol Ayub and Samasuddin Yusop as secretary.
“I am also retaining Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak aid as treasurer, Datuk Nik Nazri Nik Zawawi as information chief, and Datuk Harun Durabi as assistant secretary.”
Jafry also said tha the meeting formally recorded its deepest condolences to Bung Moktar’s family.
He said the death of the then Sabah Umno chief was deeply felt by the entire Umno family and the people of Sabah.
“His passing is a great loss to Sabah Umno. He is remembered as a principled leader, steadfast in his struggle, and one who never hesitated to defend the party, especially when Umno faced various political challenges.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
