Post by : Rameen Ariff

Sabah’s political scene was struck by a sudden loss as Bung Moktar Radin, the former deputy chief minister and state chairman of the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, passed away at the age of 66. His death came less than a week after he led BN’s campaign in the 17th Sabah state election, where he successfully retained his Lamag seat. Bung’s son, Naim Kurniawan Moktar, confirmed in a Facebook post that his father died early Friday morning at 1.46am after being admitted to a private hospital for a severe lung infection. Complications related to his kidneys reportedly worsened his condition, ultimately leading to his passing.

Bung Moktar had served as Sabah’s deputy chief minister from September 2020 to January 2023, simultaneously holding the state’s works minister portfolio. He was also the federal Member of Parliament for Kinabatangan, a seat he first won in 1999 and held through six consecutive terms. Known for his direct and no-nonsense approach in both state and federal politics, Bung Moktar played a pivotal role in stabilising BN’s presence in Sabah following its near-collapse after the 2018 General Election amid the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.

During the 2020 Sabah state election, Bung’s BN formed a coalition with Hajiji Noor, then leading the Sabah chapter of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), to unseat the Warisan-led government of Shafie Apdal, bringing UMNO back to state power. This alliance earned Bung Moktar the deputy chief minister post. However, political tensions later arose when Bung withdrew BN from the state government after a fallout with Hajiji, a move seen by analysts as a calculated political manoeuvre to challenge Hajiji’s administration. Despite this, Hajiji’s Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government remained intact, and Bung was removed from the state Cabinet.

Bung Moktar’s contributions extended beyond his political manoeuvrings. He is widely credited with rebuilding the Sabah chapter of UMNO after several senior leaders left, strengthening the coalition and ensuring BN’s continued relevance in the state. In interviews leading up to the recent election, he spoke about youth initiatives and political strategies, emphasizing BN’s distinct stance from GRS due to their “nightmare history.”

Tributes poured in following Bung Moktar’s death, reflecting his impact across political lines. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described him as a firm, principled, and outspoken leader whose dedication to the people of Sabah and Malaysia would not be forgotten. BN chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed personal grief, calling Bung a loyal friend and comrade through all challenges. Warisan president Shafie Apdal and Sabah UMNO leader Salleh Said Keruak also paid homage, highlighting Bung’s decades-long contributions to Sabah’s political development and his enduring influence on the state’s growth.

Bung Moktar Radin’s passing marks a significant moment in Sabah’s political history, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service. His decades-long service in both state and federal politics, particularly his efforts to revive BN in Sabah and influence state governance, will continue to be remembered by colleagues, constituents, and political observers alike.

#Global News #Asia News