Kota Kinabalu (Dec 30) - Barisan Nasional (BN) has confirmed Mohd Ismail Ayob as its candidate for the Lamag state by-election, which will be held on 24 January. Mohd Ismail previously contested the Lamag seat as an Independent candidate in the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17) on 29 November.
The announcement was made by Sabah UMNO Liaison Body chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin during a media engagement held at the Sabah UMNO building in Kota Kinabalu.
According to Jafry, BN Sabah’s decision was influenced by the outcome of the recently concluded PRN17, leading the coalition to adopt a “unity candidate” approach for the Lamag by-election. He said the move reflects political governance principles that prioritise conflict reduction, consensus-building and long-term stability as foundations for sustainable state administration and development.
Based on these considerations, BN Sabah has decided to nominate Mohd Ismail Ayob as a unity candidate through direct BN membership. Jafry explained that the nomination is part of an institution-based political strategy aimed at strengthening broader cooperation, narrowing political divides and ensuring that development agendas for the people can continue without disruption from political uncertainty.
He added that reinforcing BN’s position in Kinabatangan is not merely about electoral competition, but a strategic necessity to safeguard political stability and the well-being of the people of Sabah. This, he said, is in line with the spirit of the Unity Government, which emphasises prosperity, cooperation and consensus-driven governance.
Jafry, who is also Sabah’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, said BN Sabah respects the diversity of views expressed by various parties, acknowledging that differing opinions are a natural part of a democratic system. However, he stressed that such differences must be managed in a mature, institutional and responsible manner to protect public interests and maintain state stability.
He also expressed appreciation to grassroots party machinery for their commitment, discipline and collective spirit in preserving social harmony and ensuring Sabah’s continued progress—an outcome that directly affects Sabahans who rely on political stability for economic and social development.
At the same event, Jafry reaffirmed the candidacy of Mohd Naim Kurniawan Moktar, earlier announced by BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, as the coalition’s candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election. He described Mohd Naim, who is the UMNO Kinabatangan Youth chief, as a young leader who meets future leadership needs through organisational legitimacy, grassroots acceptance and the ability to translate public aspirations at the ground level.
The by-elections for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and the Lamag state seat were called following the passing of the incumbent, the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, on 5 December.
During PRN17, Bung Moktar won the Lamag seat with a slim majority of 153 votes, defeating Mohd Ismail, who was his closest challenger. Bung Moktar secured 3,908 votes, while Mohd Ismail received 3,755 votes in a six-cornered contest. For Sabahans, these by-elections are closely watched as they will determine leadership continuity and political stability in Kinabatangan and Lamag.