Kota kinabalu: Youth activist Mohd Ismail Ayob, popularly known as Miha, has been officially nominated as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the upcoming Lamag state by-election. Sabah BN chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin announced the nomination, emphasizing the need for young leaders to fulfill the party's political governance requirements.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jafry highlighted that selecting Mohd Ismail aligns with BN's strategy of fielding unity candidates through direct membership. This approach aims to strengthen cooperation, bridge political divides, and ensure the continuity of the people's development agenda without disruptions caused by political instability.
Mohd Ismail, aged 44, previously contested as an independent candidate in Lamag during the Sabah state election on November 29. He lost to the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin of BN by a narrow margin of 153 votes in a five-cornered contest.
Jafry made this announcement during a media gathering held by Sabah BN, which was attended by BN executive secretary Datuk Mohamad Sahfri Ab Aziz and Sabah UMNO deputy chairman Datuk Hasnol Ayub. The Lamag state seat and the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat have been vacant since the incumbent, Bung Moktar, passed away on December 5. The Lamag seat falls under the Kinabatangan constituency.
The Election Commission has scheduled the polling day for both the Kinabatangan and Lamag by-elections on January 24, with nominations and early voting set for January 10 and 20, respectively.
Jafry, who also serves as Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, stated that strengthening BN's position in the Kinabatangan area is crucial for political stability and the well-being of the people. This effort is aligned with the Unity Government's focus on prosperity, cooperation, and consensus-based governance.
Additionally, Jafry announced the selection of Kinabatangan UMNO Youth chief Mohd Naim Kurniawan Moktar as the BN candidate for the Kinabatangan by-election. This decision reflects the party's commitment to organizational legitimacy, grassroots acceptance, and addressing the aspirations of the people.