BN Retains Kinabatangan Seat as Naim Kurniawan Moktar Takes the Mantle
The Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition has solidified its grip on Kinabatangan, Sabah, with Mohd Naim Kurniawan Moktar securing the seat once held by his late father, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. Official results at 8:30 PM showed Naim prevailing in a contest that drew heavy local attention due to its emblematic significance for BN’s decades-long influence in the region.
Kinabatangan has long been a barometer of BN’s influence in Sabah, and the victory is viewed as a continuity of the family’s political legacy in the constituency. Observers noted a turnout that reflected persistent support for the BN line, with voters citing stability, development projects, and continuity in local governance as key motivators for backing the candidacy.
Lamag Seat: BN Also Secures Victory, Extending Its Sabah Footprint
In a related outcome, BN managed to retain the Lamag seat, reinforcing the party’s hold on eastern Sabah’s political map. The Lamag victory is interpreted by analysts as a signal that BN’s strategy of building broad-based local connections and addressing community concerns continues to resonate with voters across multiple districts within the state.
Election observers highlighted that BN’s campaign in Lamag emphasized pragmatic development plans, agricultural support, and improved access to public services. The result adds a new layer of momentum to BN’s Sabah strategy, potentially shaping how the coalition approaches state-level governance in the years ahead.
What the Results Mean for Sabah and the National Scene
Beyond the two seats, the broader picture of Sabah’s election results will influence BN’s posture in Parliament and its collaboration with other coalitions. Analysts say that retaining Kinabatangan and Lamag demonstrates BN’s capacity to mobilize core support while expanding its appeal to voters seeking steady leadership and tangible local benefits.
For the political landscape in Sabah, these wins may translate into stronger teamwork with state leaders on issues such as infrastructure upgrades, rural development, and disaster resilience. The Kinabatangan victory also underscores the enduring appeal of political families in certain Sabah constituencies, where long-standing legacies and local networks can shape electoral outcomes.
Voter Sentiment and Future Prospects
While BN celebrated, commentators cautioned that Sabah’s electorate remains nuanced, with many voters prioritizing practical solutions over party labels. The focus for BN going forward will be delivering on campaign promises, maintaining open channels with constituents, and balancing federal relationships to secure ongoing support for local projects.
For opposition and independent observers, the results in Kinabatangan and Lamag offer both a challenge and an opportunity: to present credible alternatives that address community needs while engaging younger voters who demand more transparent governance and improved public services.
Conclusion
With Kinabatangan and Lamag secured, BN’s Sabah strategy gains tempo as the party positions itself for future legislative sessions. The EC’s confirmation of the results cements these seats as key anchors in BN’s broader bid to shape Sabah’s political and development agenda in the years ahead.
