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BARISAN Nasional’s (BN) candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar expressed strong confidence that the party will retain the constituency in the upcoming by-election, now just three days away.
Speaking after attending the launch of the Madani Sales and Entrepreneurship Programme (JMKU) in Kampung Batu Puteh, Kinabatangan, Mohd Kurniawan said his optimism was grounded not merely in sentiment but in the strength of the party’s machinery and the continued support of the electorate.
“I am confident in all three state assembly areas within Kinabatangan, but Sukau is my hometown, so I am particularly confident there. With the cooperation of the party machinery, along with support from friends and family, we will, God willing, achieve victory,” he told reporters.
Kinabatangan comprises three state constituencies: Sukau, Lamag, and Kuamut.
Mohd Kurniawan also commented on voter reception in Kuamut, noting that the community there is increasingly supportive, despite BN not fielding a candidate in the area during the last state election.
“It is true that BN did not contest Kuamut in the previous election, but thanks to cooperation with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) within Sabah’s unity government, grassroots acceptance is very positive. When leaders are united, the voters unite as well,” he said.
He further highlighted the significance of the Deputy Prime Minister and UMNO President, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s upcoming visit to Kuamut to officiate the Program Sentuhan Desa, saying it would strengthen voter support, particularly among rural communities who value leaders who witness their challenges firsthand. - January 21, 2026