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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Barisan Nasional’s (BN) victories in the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election and the Lamag state seat reflected continued public confidence in the coalition’s efforts, service and commitment at the grassroots level.
In a post on his Facebook page today, Anwar said the victories should be regarded as a responsibility and a public trust that demands integrity in leadership, effective service delivery and the ability to address community needs in an inclusive and sustained manner.
“Kerajaan Madani will continue to uphold the spirit of consensus and togetherness to ensure that development in Sabah can be strengthened, the well-being of the people preserved and the Madani agenda realised through collective determination,” he said.
The Prime Minister also congratulated BN on successfully retaining both the parliamentary and state seats, as well as the newly elected representatives Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar and Mohd Ismail Ayob on their victories.
He expressed hope that the legacy of service and leadership of the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin would continue to be upheld and carried forward.
In the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election, Mohd Kurniawan Naim secured a decisive win with a majority of 14,214 votes, defeating Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman of Parti Warisan and independent candidate Goldam Hamid. In the Lamag state by-election, Mohd Ismail won with a majority of 5,681 votes over Warisan’s Mazliwati Abdul Malek.
Both by-elections were held following the death of the incumbent, Bung Moktar Radin, 66, on 5 December last year.
UMNO Central War Room Secretariat chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the victories should serve as momentum to be carried forward into future state and general elections, describing the results as a clear signal that voters still wanted BN as their representative.
He said this was also an important indicator ahead of the anticipated Melaka state election.
“The continuity of support shown by the people in these by-elections must be translated by candidates fulfilling the promises made during the campaign so that voters’ confidence can be further strengthened,” he said.
“These election promises are important to fulfil, whether through the state government or the federal government,” he added.
Ahmad, who is also Deputy Works Minister, was speaking after officiating the launch of the Pasar Lambak Pontian Traders’ Cooperative in Taman Megah on Sunday.
He noted that with representation at both state and federal levels, greater attention should now be given to addressing the need for improved facilities and infrastructure for the people.
“We place our hopes that these two young and energetic representatives will be able to help resolve the problems faced by the people, particularly in the Kinabatangan parliamentary constituency, which is almost the size of the state of Johor,” he said.
Asked whether the by-election victories could provide a morale boost for BN ahead of possible state elections in Melaka and Johor, Ahmad said he hoped both states would be won by the coalition.
“Although BN lost in the Sabah state election, the same will not be repeated in Melaka and Johor, which are expected to hold state elections this year and next year,” he said.
Earlier, UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said he expected the Melaka state election to be held within the next two to ten months.
Echoing similar sentiments, UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the mandate given by voters should be fully utilised by Mohd Kurniawan Naim and Mohd Ismail following their respective victories.
He said both leaders would champion the people’s voices and drive development in their constituencies, while ensuring stability and progress in Kinabatangan and Lamag for a more prosperous and secure future.
“Congratulations and well done to the Barisan Nasional candidates for the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election (Mohd Kurniawan Naim) and the Lamag state by-election (Mohd Ismail) on their victories.
“This victory is the result of the people’s trust and a great mandate to continue serving with full dedication for the well-being of the residents of the Kinabatangan parliamentary constituency and the Lamag state seat.
“The highest appreciation is also extended to voters and the entire BN machinery who worked tirelessly to ensure this victory,” he said in a statement today.
The by-election results reaffirmed BN’s hold on both Kinabatangan and Lamag, with Mohd Kurniawan Naim winning the parliamentary seat with a 14,214-vote majority and Mohd Ismail retaining the Lamag state seat with a 5,681-vote majority, following the passing of Bung Moktar Radin on 5 December last year. - January 25, 2026