Kuala lumpur: Barisan Nasional (BN) today launched its election machinery for the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections, vowing to retain both seats, which are considered the coalition's traditional strongholds.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, BN's Election Machinery director Datuk Jafry Ariffin stated that the party machinery is ready to be mobilised to support its candidates, Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar for Kinabatangan and Mohd Ismail Ayob for Lamag. He emphasized the support BN's campaign efforts are receiving from Sabah Unity Government component parties, including Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS), Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah), and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).

Jafry mentioned that it would take one to two days to fully mobilise their machinery across the three state constituencies of Sukau, Lamag, and Kuamut under the Kinabatangan parliamentary constituency. He assured that they would work diligently to ensure the retention of both seats.

Jafry, who is also Sabah BN chairman, described the pairing of the two young candidates as a strategic move. He noted that both are familiar figures among local residents and possess a strong understanding of the aspirations of the people in the constituencies.

Meanwhile, Mohd Ismail expressed that although he is a newcomer within the BN family, he is committed to giving his full effort and is open to receiving advice from party leaders to ensure BN's victory.

The by-elections in Kinabatangan and Lamag are being held following the death of the incumbent, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, on December 5 of last year. The Election Commission has set the polling day for both by-elections on January 24, with early voting scheduled for January 20.