Kuala lumpur: Barisan Nasional (BN) is set to initiate discussions with various political parties, especially those involved in the Sabah government, regarding candidate selection for the upcoming by-elections in Kinabatangan and Lamag. This move follows the passing of incumbent Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized the necessity of resolving the candidate selection process through negotiations, given BN's active role within the state government. "As we are part of the Sabah government, it is not impossible for us to engage in discussions not only with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), but also with other parties that previously contested in Lamag," Zahid stated. He further mentioned that similar discussions will be conducted for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat, highlighting the benefits of negotiating with all parties given the 24 months remaining in the parliamentary term.

Zahid made these remarks during a press conference following his officiation at the Indian Progress Front (IPF) General Assembly. Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, 66, passed away at a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on December 5. In response to this, the Election Commission (EC) has scheduled a special meeting on December 16 to determine the key dates for both by-elections.

In another development, Zahid, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister, mentioned that he has yet to be approached by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to propose candidates for vacant positions in the Cabinet. "The Prime Minister has not asked for any names yet. When the time comes, I will inform him," Zahid remarked. Currently, several positions remain unfilled in the MADANI Cabinet, including Economy Minister, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister.