Tongod: Cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) must continue to be strengthened to ensure Sabah enjoys political stability, which in turn will drive the state's development, said BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is Deputy Prime Minister, said political differences that arose previously should be set aside for the well-being of the people.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of political stability over politicking. He stated that stability is crucial for development and the welfare of the people of Sabah. He described political parties as tools that serve as bridges connecting the people with the state and federal governments and stressed the need to strengthen these connections in the interest of the rakyat.

Ahmad Zahid made these remarks at the Sentuhan Kasih Desa@Kuamut programme at Dataran Tongod. The event was attended by key figures such as Sabah BN deputy chairman and Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin, Kuamut state assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah, and BN candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar.

He further elaborated on the essential role of political stability in sustainable state development, warning against constant political conflicts. Ahmad Zahid expressed optimism that continuous disputes would no longer be a feature in Sabah politics.

Discussing the upcoming by-election, Ahmad Zahid expressed his support for Mohd Kurniawan Naim, the BN candidate and son of the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. He encouraged voters to continue the legacy of service provided by the late Bung Moktar and expressed confidence in Mohd Kurniawan Naim's ability to fulfill the responsibilities of a people's representative if elected.

The Kinabatangan by-election will involve a three-cornered contest with Mohd Kurniawan Naim facing Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman from Warisan and independent candidate Goldam Hamid. The Lamag state seat features a direct contest between Mohd Ismail Ayob from BN and Mazliwati from Warisan. These by-elections were necessitated by the death of the incumbent Bung Moktar in December of the previous year, with polling scheduled for Saturday.