Kota kinabalu: Barisan Nasional (BN) is not taking lightly the competition it will face in the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections. UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Maslan emphasized that the presence of candidates from other parties in both by-elections necessitates a cautious approach, despite BN's perceived advantage.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Maslan highlighted the potential for BN to garner sympathy votes following the passing of former Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. However, he cautioned against overconfidence, stating, "We don't want to gain sympathy votes over the death...but I think there's no point in switching to another party because previously the party that won both seats was BN." He urged voters to give the young BN candidates a chance to uphold the party's legacy.

The by-elections are being conducted due to the demise of the incumbent, Bung Moktar, who passed away on December 5 at the age of 66. His son, Mohd Naim Kurniawan, the Kinabatangan UMNO Youth chief, is the BN candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat. Meanwhile, Mohd Ismail Ayob, also known as Miha and a former Independent candidate in the 17th Sabah state election, will represent BN in the Lamag state seat.

Parti Warisan has fielded former Sukau assemblyman Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and party Supreme Council member Mazliwati Abdul Malek for the Lamag state seat. The Election Commission has scheduled tomorrow as the nomination day, with polling set for January 24 and early voting on January 20.