Barisan Nasional is considering the late Bung Moktar Radin’s son, Naim Kurniawan, as its candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election.
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) is considering fielding Naim Kurniawan, the son of the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, as its candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election.
BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Bung Moktar had previously suggested his son be given the opportunity to contest the seat. He added that feedback from voters towards Naim Kurniawan has been positive.
“Nevertheless, I need to hold discussions with fellow leaders as well as our partners in the Sabah state government,” Ahmad Zahid told reporters.
The Deputy Prime Minister and UMNO president said the matter has yet to be formally brought to the UMNO and BN supreme councils.
Ahmad Zahid also expressed appreciation to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Hajiji was reported as saying Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which he chairs, may not contest the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections.
Both seats were vacated following the death of Bung Moktar, who was also Sabah BN chairman, on December 5.
The Election Commission has set polling day for the by-elections on January 24. Nomination day and early voting are scheduled for January 10 and January 20, respectively.
In the Sabah state election, Bung Moktar defended the Lamag seat with a majority of 153 votes in a six-cornered contest.