Kota belud: Sabah UMNO deputy chief Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan has announced his withdrawal as Barisan Nasional’s (BN) candidate for the Tempasuk seat in the upcoming state election. Abdul Rahman conveyed his decision to BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also serves as UMNO president, emphasizing his desire to allow a new, local candidate from Kota Belud to represent the party in the constituency.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdul Rahman has previously contested three times in the Kota Belud parliamentary constituency, securing victory twice. Despite losing the parliamentary seat once, UMNO consistently received substantial support in the Tempasuk state constituency during his campaigns. Abdul Rahman expressed confidence that local leaders from Kota Belud UMNO would effectively take on the responsibility. He affirmed his commitment to continue supporting UMNO in other roles, despite stepping down from the candidacy.

Abdul Rahman, who has also served as a former Minister of Housing and Local Government, extended his gratitude to Ahmad Zahid and the party for the nomination to contest in Tempasuk. He also expressed appreciation to UMNO members and supporters in the Tempasuk state constituency for their ongoing support over the years.

The Election Commission has scheduled November 29 as the polling day for the 17th Sabah state election, with nomination day set for November 15 and early voting on November 25. In the last state election, Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari won the Tempasuk seat representing BN, with a majority of 1,685 votes. He has been named as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s (GRS) candidate for the same seat in the upcoming election.