Sabah BN names late Bung's closest challenger as Lamag candidate

Sabah BN has moved to consolidate ground support in Kinabatangan by announcing former GRS member-turned-independent candidate in Lamag, Ismail Ayob, as the coalition’s contender in the upcoming by-election.

He is to replace deceased incumbent Bung Moktar Radin, and Sabah Umno chief Jafry Ariffin said Ismail will contest as a direct Umno member under BN.

Jafry said Ismail’s selection was also part of BN’s effort to lower political tensions after an intense state election period.

“We have just come out of a very heated election that created a lot of hostility.

“We chose a middle-ground approach to ensure stability and to make sure the people continue to receive attention and assistance.

“What’s important is that Lamag is not left behind in the development agenda,” Jafry (above) told reporters in Kota Kinabalu after announcing Ismail’s candidacy for the Lamag by-election.

Ismail previously polled 3,755 votes in the Nov 29 Sabah election, finishing as the closest challenger to Bung, who won with 3,908 votes - a majority of 153 votes.

He previously served as a special officer to Chief Minister Hajiji Noor in the previous GRS administration.

Strategy to strengthen cooperation

Meanwhile, Jafry also reiterated that Bung’s son, Naim Kurniawan Moktar, will contest the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat.

The Kinabatangan Umno chief described Naim, who is the division’s Youth chief, as part of a leadership transition to ensure continuity and relevance by articulating grassroots aspirations.

For Lamag, he said Sabah BN has chosen Ismail as a “unity candidate” - a move that prioritises conflict reduction, consensus building, and long-term political stability.

“This is an institutional political strategy to strengthen broader cooperation, close political divides, and ensure development is not disrupted by uncertainty,” Jafry said.

He also said both candidate selections were made with political stability, continuity, and Sabah’s evolving political landscape in mind following Bung’s passing last month.

Further, he said Sabah BN recognised shifts in public sentiment, particularly among younger voters, and believed the coalition needed to strengthen future leadership while preserving unity.

“In a challenging and evolving political environment, especially with changing sentiment among young voters, BN believes it is important to strengthen emerging leadership while building an inclusive and unifying political narrative,” he added.

Bung died on Dec 5, leaving the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and the Lamag state seat vacant.

Nomination day is on Jan 10, while polling day for the two by-elections will be on Jan 24.

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