KINABATANGAN, LAMAG BY-ELECTIONS TO TEST BUNG MOKTAR'S LEGACY - ANALYSTS

KINABATANGAN, Jan 10 (Bernama) -- The Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections will serve as a significant test in determining the legacy of Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

Political analysts have said that his influence is still strong among local voters, especially the youth, having held the Kinabatangan seat for over two decades.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Social Sciences and Humanities Faculty senior lecturer Dr Haryati Abdul Karim said the by-elections are important in assessing how far Bung Moktar’s political influence is translated to voter support following his death.

His ties with the local community, built on a record of helping regardless of age, religion and race, is still fresh in the minds of voters even though Kinabatangan still faces development challenges.

“The question of whether young voters will choose between the narrative of development or the continuity of his legacy, I think they will be lean towards Bung Moktar as even though Kinabatangan is still lagging in terms of development, throughout his life, Bung Moktar always did his best to champion development in the area,” she told Bernama today.

Haryati said the by-elections would also test Sabah Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Sabah ability to bounce back after having won only six state seats during the 17th Sabah state election.

The smaller field of candidates in the by-election will provide room for voters to make a clearer choice and victory would be very meaningful to the winning party, especially for Sabah BN that wants to strengthen its position in the Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government.

In terms of voter demographic, more than half of Kinabatangan voters are youths, with 51.17 per cent between 18 to 39 years old, making them the kingmakers, she said, adding that their voting patterns tend towards leadership continuity and promises of the future compared to mere party loyalty.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah Administrative Sciences and Policy Studies Faculty senior lecturer Tony Paridi Bagang meanwhile said Kinabatangan was a rural seat that required development and leadership continuity as they will bring change to the area.

“The BN candidate is a young person and surely will have new ideas, approaches and aspirations to offer. Leadership legacy and sympathy towards Bung Moktar will provide an advantage as well,” he said, noting that Parti Warisan will still be the main contender based on past support.

Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar of BN, Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman (Warisan) and Goldam Hamid (Independent) will contest the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat, while Mohd Ismail Ayob (BN) will take on Mazliwati Abdul Malek (Warisan) for the Lamag state seat following the death of incumbent Bung Moktar on Dec 5.

Campaigning begins today till 11.59 pm, Jan 23, with polling day set on Jan 24, and early voting on Jan 20.

-- BERNAMA