Kinabatangan: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Barisan Nasional (BN) victories in the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections reflect the people's continued confidence in the efforts, service and commitment shown at the grassroots level.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized in a Facebook post that the victory must be met with a strong sense of responsibility, as it represents the trust of the people, who expect leadership with integrity, effective service delivery, and the ability to meet community needs in an inclusive and sustained manner.

Anwar stated, "The MADANI Government will continue to uphold the spirit of consensus and togetherness to ensure that development in Sabah is further strengthened, the well-being of the people remains safeguarded, and the agenda is realised through shared determination."

He extended his congratulations to Barisan Nasional for successfully retaining both the parliamentary and state seats and congratulated the newly elected representatives, Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar and Mohd Ismail Ayob, on their victories.

The Prime Minister also expressed hope that the legacy of service and leadership left by the former elected representative, the late Bung Moktar Radin, would continue to be upheld and carried forward in the best possible manner.

In the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election, Mohd Kurniawan Naim secured a resounding victory with a majority of 14,214 votes, defeating two challengers - Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman of Warisan and independent candidate Goldam Hamid.

In the Lamag state by-election, Mohd Ismail won with a majority of 5,681 votes, defeating Warisan candidate Mazliwati Abdul Malek.

The by-elections were held following the death of the incumbent, Bung Moktar, 66, on Dec 5 last year.