Legacy in the Balance: Naim Kurniawan Named Barisan Nasional Candidate for Kinabatangan By-Election

KUALA LUMPUR, El Sky News – In a move to preserve one of its most enduring strongholds, Barisan Nasional (BN) has officially announced Mohd Naim Kurniawan as its candidate for the upcoming Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election. The announcement was made by BN Chairman and Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, during a high-profile party event held at Hotel Premiera.

Naim Kurniawan is the son of the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, a titan of Sabah politics and a six-term Member of Parliament for Kinabatangan, who passed away on December 5, 2025. The senior Bung Moktar, 66, was a charismatic and often polarizing figure who had held the seat since 1999, making him one of the longest-serving parliamentarians in Malaysian history.

Following the vacancy created by his father’s untimely demise due to health complications, the party has turned to the younger Moktar to maintain the family’s political mantle. “Naim Kurniawan is a candidate who is well-accepted by the local community,” stated UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Maslan. “We are confident that his deep roots in the constituency will ensure a victory for Barisan Nasional.”

A Strategic Continuity Political analysts view Naim’s candidacy as a strategic play to leverage the “legacy vote.” Kinabatangan has long been considered an impenetrable fortress for BN, largely due to Bung Moktar’s personal connection with the grassroots. By fielding his son—who has been active in the party’s youth wing—the coalition hopes to provide a sense of continuity to the electorate.

“I accept this nomination with a sense of immense responsibility,” Naim said in a brief statement. “My father dedicated his life to the people of Kinabatangan. My goal is to carry forward his mission and ensure that the voices of our community continue to be heard loud and clear in Parliament.”

Key Election Dates:

• Nomination Day: January 10, 2026
• Early Voting: January 20, 2026
• Polling Day: January 24, 2026

The Kinabatangan by-election will be a critical test for the Barisan Nasional-Pakatan Harapan alliance as they navigate the complex political waters of Sabah. While the seat is traditionally a BN safe zone, the absence of the senior Bung Moktar’s larger-than-life presence will undoubtedly change the dynamics of the campaign.

As the nation observes a period of transition in one of Sabah’s most storied constituencies, the focus now shifts to the nomination process next month, where Naim Kurniawan is expected to lead a spirited campaign to honor his father’s political life-work.

(Leakim Otid)