Kinabatangan: Campaigning for the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election has entered its final phase, with Barisan Nasional (BN) intensifying its efforts aggressively to defend the seat.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, BN's campaigning efforts in the by-election are being fully supported by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), with its Sukau division mobilising its machinery nine days ago. This move aligns with orders from GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who instructed the Sukau, Lamag, and Kuamut divisions to assist and ensure victory for the BN candidate, as stated by Sukau GRS division chief Datuk Juhari Janan.

Juhari emphasized that the cooperation between GRS and BN in this by-election is rooted in a commitment to reciprocate the support BN provided to GRS during the formation of the Sabah state government. GRS's efforts at the grassroots level include conducting face-to-face campaigning and a series of political talks involving GRS supporters in Kinabatangan, along with the Lamag state constituency, which is also having a by-election.

In Sukau, there are 7,400 members, with 6,200 eligible voters recorded. Juhari expressed hope that voter turnout would not decrease but rather increase in this election. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Parti Warisan's candidate, who is experienced and influential, and stressed that the cooperation between GRS and BN needs to be fortified as the campaign reaches its conclusion.

The Kinabatangan parliamentary seat sees Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar of BN competing against Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman (Warisan) and Goldam Hamid (Independent). Meanwhile, Mohd Ismail Ayob (BN) will face Mazliwati Abdul Malek (Warisan) for the Lamag state seat on January 24, with early voting scheduled for January 20.