KINABATANGAN: A sombre atmosphere filled the Kinabatangan District Mosque tonight during a tahlil and Yasin recitation ceremony held in honour of the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
The event was attended by hundreds of residents from across Kinabatangan, alongside family members, including his son, Mohd Kurniawan Naim, 32, as well as local community leaders.
A resident of Kampung Lamag, Abdul Manan Jumat, 62, said Bung Moktar's passing had left a deep void not only for his family, but also for the wider community, which had benefited from his leadership.
"The late leader's services and contributions are hard to put into words, but their impact is still felt today through the facilities and infrastructure we now enjoy," he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Muhammad Rahmad Ahmad, 42, from Sukau, described the development in Kinabatangan since 1999 as clear evidence of Bung Moktar's legacy.
He noted marked improvements in basic amenities, education and public infrastructure, reflecting a leader's concern for the fundamental needs of the rural community.
Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment and Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin, who was also present, said the large turnout reflected the community's appreciation for the late leader's contributions, particularly in developing the Lamag state constituency.
"Significant changes are evident in the area, including the increase in schools and the establishment of a bank, hospital and fire station, all owing to Bung Moktar's efforts. We hope his legacy of development and service will continue under future leadership," he said.
Bung Moktar, 66, died at a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu on Dec 5 last year, prompting by-elections for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and the Lamag state constituency.
The Kinabatangan by-election will see a three-cornered contest between Bung Moktar's son, Mohd Kurniawan Naim (BN), Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman (Warisan) and Goldam Hamid (Independent), while the Lamag state by-election will be a straight fight between Mohd Ismail Ayob (BN) and Mazliwati Abdul Malek (Warisan).
Polling is set for Jan 24, with early voting scheduled for Jan 20. - NST
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