Lamag voters could swing to Warisan following Bung Moktar's death, says analyst

 

Voters in Kinabatangan and Lamag may be entering a political crossroads following the death of Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, with an analyst warning that the strong personal loyalty he built over more than three decades may not automatically transfer to Umno.-NSTP FILE PIC

KUALA LUMPUR: Voters in Kinabatangan and Lamag may be entering a political crossroads following the death of Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, with an analyst warning that the strong personal loyalty he built over more than three decades may not automatically transfer to Umno.

Professor Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) said the transition could open space for voter realignment, especially in Lamag, where Bung had only narrowly defended the seat in the recent Sabah General Election.

"Unless BN-Umno can put forward a credible personality with deep community roots, those who supported Bung out of personal affection may shift their allegiance to Warisan," he said.

Bung retained Lamag with a 153-vote majority, securing 3,908 votes against independent candidate Mohd Ismail Ayob (Miha), who obtained 3,755 votes.

The close margin, Ahmad Fauzi said, reflected the tightening contest in the constituency and the challenges Umno could face without its long-time strongman.

He added that Umno now faces a difficult task in identifying a successor who can resonate with both state-level dynamics and its federal origins.

"For BN-Umno, the choice is tricky. The party needs a candidate who can traverse both national and state politics. It's an uphill struggle to campaign on what is perceived today as a less pro-Sabahan platform than Warisan or even GRS," he added.

He said the upcoming vacancy process — and the likelihood of a by-election for the Lamag state seat — will test Umno's ability to retain support without its long-standing local anchor.

Bung, 66, died in hospital on Dec 5 after suffering from a lung infection and kidney complications.

His death automatically triggered a vacancy for the Lamag seat, which he defended in the recent state election.

For Kinabatangan, no by-election is expected as the parliamentary term has surpassed the three-year threshold.

Ahmad Fauzi added that beyond electoral considerations, Bung's absence represents a more profound loss in Sabah's relationship with Putrajaya.

"Bung Moktar played a unique role in bridging Sabahan and Peninsular politics.

He could move between both worlds seamlessly, maintaining communication at a time when such ties have deteriorated elsewhere," he said.

"His passing is a loss not only for his constituencies, but also for Malaysia's aspirations to function as a cohesive nation-state." - NST