Kota kinabalu: The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Kinabatangan parliamentary seat Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar is optimistic that a strategic approach based on sincerity will be able to gain the support of voters in the constituency's by-election. Admitting that he has to shoulder a great responsibility, the Kinabatangan UMNO Youth chief said he is determined to ensure that the continuity of service in Kinabatangan can continue after the passing of his father Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Kurniawan Naim, 32, who is the youngest candidate, is up against two challengers, Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman, 67, of Warisan and Goldam Hamid, 40, an Independent candidate. Meanwhile, BN candidate for Lamag constituency, Mohd Ismail Ayob said he is not taking the challenges lightly and will do his best to achieve victory in the one-on-one contest against Warisan candidate Mazliwati Abdul Malek.

Mohd Ismail, 44, better known by his nickname 'Miha', expressed that although Mazliwati is a fellow practitioner in the political arena, he sees the clash as a healthy competition. He emphasized the necessity of striving to win, as elections ultimately result in either victory or defeat. He noted the smooth nomination process and expressed hope for young leaders to be given opportunities in both Lamag and Kinabatangan constituencies.

Warisan candidate Saddi has pledged to transform Kinabatangan, one of the poorest districts in Malaysia, if elected as an MP. Conversely, Mazliwati, 53, opted to contest at the state level due to the more manageable scope, allowing her to focus more effectively on local needs. Independent candidate Goldam, a lawyer, decided to run to provide voters with an alternative choice.

The by-election was prompted by the death of incumbent Bung Moktar, 66, on December 5. The Election Commission (EC) has set a 14-day campaign period beginning today, with polling day scheduled for January 24 and early voting on January 20.