Kinabatangan MP pledges to continue Bung's legacy

PARLIAMENT | In his maiden speech in the Dewan Rakyat, newly sworn-in Kinabatangan MP Kurniawan Naim Moktar paid tribute to his father, Bung Moktar Radin, who held the seat for six terms until his death last December.

Kurniawan, who defended the parliament seat for BN, started his debate on the royal address by thanking Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, and the BN leadership for their support, trust, and guidance leading up to his by-election victory.

“I also do not forget all loyal party machinery members, volunteers, and workers at every level who have worked day and night with full commitment, sincerity, and a spirit of togetherness.

“I will continue the struggle and aspirations of my beloved father with deep longing and appreciation for all his sacrifices and guidance,” he said.

Kurniawan promised to honour the trust given and do his best to fulfil his responsibility, including championing the people’s voice, and striving for the development of Kinabatangan and the well-being of his constituents.

“So that no one is left behind from the stream of progress, as a sign of devotion to my late father and to all the people who have placed their trust in me.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of my late father’s friends, both from the government and opposition blocs, for the kindness they showed throughout his service,” he added.

Cooperation bears fruit

Kurniawan stressed that the victory in Kinabatangan reflected the effectiveness of cooperation within Sabah’s unity government, involving BN, Harapan, and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah at the state and national levels.

He said the spirit of unity, which set aside political differences for the well-being of the people, had proven to be the foundation of strength and the key to the strong support from the local community.

He also touched on the government’s progress in implementing matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and offered proposals to address electricity and water shortages in rural Kinabatangan.

Kurniawan was sworn in as an MP on Monday after winning the Kinabatangan by-election last Saturday with a large majority of 14,214 votes in a three-cornered contest.

He defeated Warisan’s Saddi Abdul Rahman, who garnered 5,638 votes, while independent candidate Goldam Hamid received 946 votes.

New Kinabatangan MP sworn in

BN retains Kinabatangan, Lamag

COMMENT | Kinabatangan: Sabah's interior political corridor

Late Bung freed of graft charges, trial against widow to proceed