COMMENT | Today, 48,526 Sabahans go to the polls in the parliament constituency of the interior constituency of Kinabatangan, with 13,703 of these also able to vote in the state seat of Lamag, one of the three seats in this constituency.

The others state seats in Kinabatangan are Sukau and Kuamut.

The by-election was called after the passing of Umno stalwart Bung Moktar Radin last month. Bung served in parliament for six terms since 1999, and in the state assembly for one, elected both in 2020 and 2025.

Kinabatangan is one of the most magical parts of Malaysia. Named for its long river [also called the Chinese (Kina) River (Batang)], it is known for its biodiversity - the corridor of life.

Lucky visitors can see the Bornean elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys and vast range of birds, while avoiding the increasing number of crocodiles in these infested waters.

Politically, this by-election is also a...