Naim Kurniawan, son of the late Bung Moktar Radin, will contest the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat for Barisan Nasional in the January by-election.
KUALA LUMPUR: Naim Kurniawan, the son of the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, has been named the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said the announcement was made by BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at a dinner event.
“He (Naim Kurniawan) is seen as a candidate who is well accepted by the local community,” Ahmad stated in a Facebook post.
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Naim Kurniawan told Bernama he accepted the responsibility entrusted to him by the Umno and BN leadership to continue the party’s legacy.
He acknowledged the challenge, noting the Kinabatangan constituency is as large as the state of Pahang.
“Nevertheless, I am prepared to carry out this responsibility to the best of my ability to ensure the interests of the people of Kinabatangan remain safeguarded,” he said.
He added that he has received a very positive response and pledges of full support from the Umno leadership and grassroots.
The Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and the Lamag state seat were vacated following the passing of Bung Moktar, who was also Sabah BN chairman, on 5 December.
The Election Commission has set polling day for the by-elections on 24 January.
Nomination day is scheduled for 10 January, with early voting on 20 January.
In the Sabah state election on 29 November, Bung Moktar defended the Lamag seat with a majority of 153 votes in a six-cornered contest. – Bernama
