Bung Moktar Radin dies at 66 in Kota Kinabalu private hospital

Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Member of Parliament for Kinabatangan and Chair of Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah, passed away early on 5 December 2026 at Gleneagles Hospital in Kota Kinabalu. He was 66.

According to a social media statement by his son, Naim Kurniawan Moktar, the veteran politician breathed his last at 1.46am while undergoing treatment.

“It is with deep sorrow we inform that our father, Moktar bin Radin, has passed away,” Naim wrote on Facebook. “We ask for prayers that his soul be blessed and placed among the faithful.”



No official cause of death has been released at the time of writing. However, it was earlier reported that UMNO Sabah Secretary Datuk Jafry Ariffin confirmed that Bung Moktar had been suffering from kidney failure and a lung infection.

Bung Moktar was admitted to a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu on the afternoon of 4 December. His son had confirmed the admission but declined to comment on his father's medical condition at that time, requesting prayers for his recovery.

Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman was among those who visited Bung Moktar at the hospital, arriving around 11.30pm on 4 December. He spent approximately 20 minutes with the late leader before his passing.

Born on 14 September 1959 in Kampung Bilit, Sukau, Bung Moktar received his early education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Bilit and later attended Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sandakan. He furthered his studies at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

His professional career began in the civil service, working at the Department of Special Affairs (JASA) in Sandakan from 1987 to 1990. He then joined the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) from 1990 to 1992.

He later served as Political Secretary to the Sabah Minister of Finance from 1994 to 1999.

His political journey commenced formally in 1999 when he was elected as Member of Parliament for Kinabatangan, a position he held continuously for more than two decades.

In 2020, Bung Moktar won the Lamag seat in the 16th Sabah State Election (PRN16). Following this victory, he was appointed Deputy Chief Minister I and Minister of Public Works for Sabah, roles he held from 2020 until 2023.

He also served as Chair of FELCRA Berhad from 2013 to 2018, contributing to the development of rural community programmes and agriculture.

Known for his outspoken nature and strong leadership, Bung Moktar was regarded as one of UMNO Sabah’s most prominent and influential figures.

Further details on funeral arrangements and any state honours are expected to be announced by the Sabah state government and his family in the coming hours.