BN Launches Machinery For Kinabatangan, Lamag By-Elections

KINABATANGAN, Jan 10 (Bernama) -- Barisan Nasional (BN) today launched its election machinery for the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections, vowing to retain both seats, which are considered the coalition’s traditional strongholds.

Its Election Machinery director Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the party machinery is ready to be mobilised to support its candidates, Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar (Kinabatangan) and Mohd Ismail Ayob (Lamag).

He said BN’s campaign efforts are also receiving support from Sabah Unity Government component parties, including Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS), Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).

“God willing, it will take one to two days to fully mobilise our machinery across the three state constituencies of Sukau, Lamag and Kuamut under the Kinabatangan parliamentary constituency.

“We will work to the best of our ability to ensure that both seats are retained,” he told reporters after the launch of the machinery here.

Jafry, who is also Sabah BN chairman, described the pairing of the two young candidates as a strategic move, noting that they are familiar figures among local residents and have a strong understanding of the aspirations of the people in the constituencies.

Meanwhile, Mohd Ismail said that although he is regarded as a newcomer within the BN family, he is ready to give his full commitment and is open to receiving advice from party leaders to ensure BN’s victory.

The Kinabatangan and Lamag by-elections follow the death of the incumbent, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, on Dec 5 last year. 

The EC has set polling day for both by-elections on Jan 24, with early voting on Jan 20.

-- BERNAMA