Image credit: BERNAMA
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his sadness over the loss of the Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, who was also the Kinabatangan MP and Lamag assemblyman.
Speaking as a long-time friend, Anwar remembered Bung Moktar as a firm, principled, and outspoken figure who consistently championed the people’s interests. He noted that the late leader’s contributions and dedication – especially to the people of Sabah and the nation as a whole – would continue to be valued and remembered.
Bung Moktar passed away at 66 due to lung complications and kidney failure
The six-term Kinabatangan MP passed away at 1.46am at Gleneagles Hospital Kota Kinabalu, where he had been receiving treatment for a severe lung infection and kidney failure.
His son, Naim Kurniawan Moktar, confirmed the news in a Facebook post. Bung had been warded since Tuesday and was transferred to the intensive care unit shortly before his passing. His death comes less than a week after he successfully defended the Lamag seat in the 17th state election.
Past medical history
Bung had previously underwent a kidney transplant in China in 2016.
Political career and leadership roles
Bung was among Malaysia’s most recognisable political figures, known for his outspoken nature and strong grassroots presence. First elected in 1999, he served as member of parliament for Kinabatangan under six prime ministers: Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the late Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Najib Razak, Muhyiddin Yassin, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, and Anwar Ibrahim.
He held several key positions over the years, including:
- Deputy chief minister of Sabah
- Sabah Umno and BN chairman
- Works minister (Sabah)
- Felcra Berhad chairman
Bung first contested in 1994 for the Kuamut state seat but lost. His breakthrough came in the 1999 general election when he won Kinabatangan on a Barisan Nasional ticket. He held the seat for every subsequent election, often with increasing vote numbers.
He later rose to chair Sabah BN after the party faced a major exodus in 2018. With former chairman Tun Musa Aman staying abroad after the collapse of the BN government, Bung assumed leadership and steered the party through a turbulent period.
Role in Sabah state politics
In the 2020 Sabah state election, Bung led Sabah Umno to win 11 seats, forming a state government with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) under chief minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
However, in January 2023, Bung led Sabah BN in withdrawing support for Hajiji in what became known as the Kinabalu Move. The attempt failed after Pakatan Harapan rallied behind Hajiji and several Sabah Umno assemblymen continued supporting the chief minister.
In the most recent state election, Bung again headed the Sabah BN campaign, although the coalition won only six out of the 45 contested seats. He narrowly defended his Lamag seat with a slim 153-vote majority.
Controversies and legal issues
Bung was no stranger to controversy. His outspoken style frequently made headlines, including:
- A vulgar remark in Dewan Rakyat in 2018
- A reprimand from then-prime minister Najib Razak for shouting “long live Hitler” after Germany’s 7–1 win over Brazil in the 2014 World Cup semi-final
He was also on trial for allegedly receiving RM2.8 million in bribes related to Felcra’s RM150 million investment in Public Mutual unit trusts. His second wife, Zizie Izette Abdul Samad, was accused of abetting him. The trial remains ongoing.
Relationship with the community
Despite his controversies, Bung retained strong loyalty among voters in Kinabatangan and Lamag. Community members long regarded him as approachable and generous, often citing how he quietly helped repair rural facilities, assisted families in hardship, and consistently showed up when needed.
He was also well-liked by the media for his accessibility, direct communication style, and willingness to speak openly.
Legacy
From losing his first contest in 1994 to becoming a towering figure in Sabah politics, Bung Moktar Radin left an enduring imprint on both state and national political landscapes. His passing marks the end of a bold, often controversial, but undeniably influential chapter in Malaysian politics.
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Source: FMT, The Straits Times
