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BARISAN Nasional (BN) has reinforced its foothold in Sabah with victories in the recent parliamentary and state assembly by-elections in Kinabatangan and Lamag, signalling enduring public support for the coalition, sources confirmed.
UMNO Sabah Chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin described the outcome as highly significant for the party.
He attributed the triumphs of Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar in Kinabatangan and Mohd Ismail Ayob in Lamag to a combination of strong grassroots backing and strategic political alliances.
“The unwavering support for our candidates demonstrates that strategic political cooperation can build a broader and more effective wave of public endorsement,” Jafry said.
Addressing claims by opponents that BN is predominantly a Peninsular-based party, he stressed that collaboration with local parties had successfully established a stable Sabah state government. “This, in turn, boosts public confidence in BN,” he added.
In the Kinabatangan parliamentary contest, Mohd Kurniawan secured victory in a three-way race, garnering 19,852 votes and a commanding majority of 14,214. Meanwhile, Mohd Ismail emerged victorious in Lamag with 7,269 votes, defeating his Parti Warisan opponent by a majority of 5,681.
Jafry also acknowledged the backing of key figures, including Deputy Prime Minister and UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Sabah Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, and the broader BN leadership and machinery.
He highlighted the contribution of the GRS coalition and its component parties, including Pakatan Harapan (PH) and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), in securing these electoral victories.
“Insya-Allah, this close cooperation within the Sabah Unity Government will be fully leveraged to serve the people and ensure development agendas in Kinabatangan and Lamag are implemented efficiently and sustainably,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming UMNO Sabah’s commitment to supporting the newly elected representatives in fulfilling their mandates, stating: “We will ensure that both MPs and assemblymen entrusted by the people carry out their responsibilities to the fullest, for the welfare and best interests of the communities they represent.” - January 25, 2026