Kota kinabalu: There is a big possibility that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) will not contest the Lamag state and Kinabatangan parliamentary by-elections scheduled for January 24, 2026. Its chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, stated that GRS would, as a matter of principle, give way and respect to Barisan Nasional (BN), as the party that won the seat in the 17th Sabah State Election on November 29.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hajiji expressed that GRS will respect the party that won and noted that BN is currently part of the state government. “We will pave the way and assist them to win the by-election,” Hajiji mentioned when speaking to reporters outside the Sabah State Legislative Assembly sitting.

When asked whether this decision pertains to both the state and parliamentary seats of the constituency, Hajiji, who is also the Sabah Chief Minister, stated that discussions would be held to finalize the matter. He emphasized the importance of holding joint discussions with the top GRS leadership, including BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, although he did not specify when these discussions would take place.

Hajiji reiterated the principle of giving way, indicating that this approach aligns with the current political dynamics. Earlier, Bernama reported that Sabah UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin highlighted the need for talks with GRS regarding the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections next month. Jafry stressed the importance of these discussions as UMNO is part of the coalition forming the Sabah State Unity Government together with GRS.

The Election Commission (EC) has scheduled the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections for January 24, 2026, with nominations on January 10 and early voting on January 20. These by-elections are necessary following the death of the incumbent, Bung Moktar, on December 5 at a private hospital.