Kuala Lumpur: Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali has declared that he will not be vying for a position in the forthcoming Sabah state election, opting instead to concentrate on his duties as Papar Member of Parliament (MP).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Armizan cited his limited time as both a federal minister and an MP as the primary reason for his decision not to contest the state seat. He emphasized his commitment to fulfilling the expectations of the people in Papar, stating, "I have just completed about two years as an MP so let me fulfil what the people in Papar want. We have many great leaders in Papar and what I want is for whoever becomes Papar assemblyman to work well with me to develop Papar."

Armizan also highlighted the importance of collaborative work between the Papar assemblyman and himself to achieve progress for the region. "As a minister, I also need to look after other states. So, I want a strong team, an assemblyman who is always able to work closely with me so that we can bring change and realise what the people want," he remarked during a ceremony at the Majestic Ballroom at 10 Star Cinemas, Parklane City Benoni Papar.

In his role as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) deputy secretary-general, Armizan expressed confidence in the coalition's readiness for the 17th Sabah state election. He noted the efforts made in Papar, stating, "In Papar, we have done a lot of programmes with the people and I see the assemblymen who live here are always among the people. That's why I'm confident they will win in the upcoming state election."

The Papar parliamentary constituency consists of three state constituencies: Limbahau, Kawang, and Pantai Manis.