Kinabatangan (Jan 5) - Parti Warisan has confirmed former Sukau Assemblyman Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman as its candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election, scheduled to take place on 24 January. At the same time, Mazliwati Abdul Malek has been selected to represent the party in the Lamag state by-election.
The announcement was made by Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking, who said both candidates were chosen after careful consideration, as they possess strong familiarity with local community needs and bring significant political experience to the contest.
He said Mazliwati, who previously contested the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election, has the background and capability to address issues related to state administration. According to him, she is also well-positioned to be a strong voice in the State Legislative Assembly in championing the concerns of the people of Lamag.
Saddi, meanwhile, is expected to draw on his 12 years of experience as an elected representative to use Parliament as a platform to advocate for Sabah’s rights and interests at the federal level, an issue that resonates strongly with Sabahans.
The Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and the Lamag state seat became vacant following the death of their incumbent, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who was also the former Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman, on 5 December.
Earlier, the Election Commission had set polling day for both by-elections on 24 January, with nomination day scheduled for 10 January and early voting on 20 January. For Sabahans in Kinabatangan and Lamag, these by-elections are seen as an important opportunity to choose representatives who can directly voice local priorities and safeguard Sabah’s interests at both state and federal levels.