Kinabatangan Umno Youth chief Mohd Naim Kurniawan Moktar has dismissed speculation that he will contest the Lamag state by-election following the passing of his father, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Mohd Naim, widely mentioned as a potential candidate, said the Lamag seat should be entrusted to someone born in the constituency to continue championing local issues.
He said although many supporters had encouraged him to take over the role, the decision ultimately rests with the party.
“I appreciate the support, but the selection of candidates is up to the party. As a loyal member, I fully respect whatever decision is made. The voice of Lamag must continue to resonate,” he wrote on Facebook today.
He added that the candidate chosen should meet several criteria: be a Lamag native, aged below 50, educated, and loyal to the party’s cause.
Bung Moktar, who had just secured a second term as Lamag assemblyman in the November 29 Sabah state election, passed away on December 5 at a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu. He was 66.
In the recent polls, Bung retained his seat with a 153-vote majority in a six-cornered contest. Nationally, he first became Kinabatangan MP in 1999 and went on to serve six consecutive terms.
Election Commission (EC) secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus announced that a special meeting will be held on December 16 to determine key dates for the Kinabatangan parliamentary and Lamag state by-elections.
