Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin has passed away at the age of 66, marking the end of a long and often controversial political career that stretched across more than two decades. His son, Naim Kurniawan, confirmed that Bung took his last breath at 1.46am while receiving treatment at Gleneagles Hospital in Kota Kinabalu. No further details were given about the illness that led to his death.
Bung, who had just secured a second term as the Lamag assemblyman less than a week earlier, remained a dominant figure in Sabah politics despite frequent controversies. Known for his outspoken style in the Dewan Rakyat, he often drew attention—both positive and negative—for his blunt remarks and combative approach.
He first entered Parliament in 1999 and went on to become one of Malaysia’s longest-serving MPs, holding the Kinabatangan seat for six consecutive terms. His influence in the constituency remained strong throughout his career, reflected in the solid majority of 4,330 votes he secured in the 2022 general election.
Bung also served as Sabah’s deputy chief minister from 2020 to 2023 and held the public works portfolio in the state administration. As chairman of Barisan Nasional Sabah and a key Umno leader in the state, he played a crucial role in coalition negotiations and political alignments that shaped Sabah’s governance over the years.
His political journey spanned the administrations of six prime ministers—Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the late Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Najib Razak, Muhyiddin Yassin, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, and Anwar Ibrahim—reflecting his longevity and adaptability within Malaysia’s shifting political landscape.
Despite his strong grassroots support and political clout, Bung’s career was also shadowed by legal battles. He faced an ongoing trial involving allegations that he received RM2.8 million in bribes in exchange for helping Felcra secure approval for a RM150 million investment in Public Mutual unit trusts during his tenure as Felcra chairman. The case remained unresolved at the time of his passing.
Bung’s death marks a significant moment in Sabah politics, leaving a vacuum in both Umno Sabah and the state’s political sphere. His legacy—shaped by influence, resilience, and controversy—will likely remain a subject of discussion as Sabah navigates its next chapter without one of its most outspoken leaders.
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