KOTA KINABALU, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Sabah UMNO wants to hold talks with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) regarding the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections to be held next month.
Sabah UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the discussions are important since UMNO is part of the coalition that forms the Sabah State Unity Government together with GRS.
He said the party sees the need to reach a consensus with the Sabah State Unity Government before finalising the strategy for the by-elections.
“I am also called upon to inform you that I feel it is necessary for us to discuss with the leadership of the Sabah State Unity Government to jointly find a way and solution regarding the Lamag and Kinabatangan by-elections,” he told Bernama.
He said Sabah UMNO is now awaiting further feedback from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also GRS chairman, regarding the proposed talks.
Commenting on the party's preparations for the by-election, Jafry said that the preliminary work had been initiated early, including holding divisional committee meetings and engagement sessions with grassroots leadership in Lamag, Kuamut and Sukau.
"Alhamdulillah, we have already received commitment from the grassroots level to continue the work to ensure that the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and the Lamag state seat are won if given the space and opportunity for us," he said.
According to him, Sabah UMNO in principle sees that Barisan Nasional (BN) should defend both seats based on the history and record of the incumbent, the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Regarding the candidates, Jafry said that Kinabatangan Division UMNO had gathered grassroots views and prepared several potential names.
"The Kinabatangan division has heard the complaints, listened to the views from the grassroots level and is ready to nominate some new faces and perhaps even the deceased's children. But that is up to the leadership to decide.
The Election Commission (EC) has set the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections for Jan 24, 2026, respectively, with nominations on Jan 10 and early voting on Jan 20.
The by-elections need to be held following the death of the incumbent, Bung Moktar, on Dec 5 at a private hospital here.
-- BERNAMA
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