The Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu of the Catholic Church said Bruno Andau Yasun's decision to contest as a candidate for the Ranau parliamentary constituency was on his own volition and without the consent or sanction of the church.

Head of the archdiocese, Archbishop John Wong Soo Kau, said that Bruno - who is a member of the clergy - had in March last year, expressed his wish to leave the priesthood.

He was granted a one-year sabbatical.

The leave was given with the hope that he would renew his "priestly spirit" and return to serve the church, said Wong in a statement released by the archdiocese's social communications commission.

“When priests take their vows of office during their sacerdotal ordination, they state their resolve to faithfully and religiously exercise their ministry to preach the gospel and to explain the Catholic faith to the flock under their care.

“They further consecrate their whole life permanently to God for the salvation of his people,” he added.

Wong said it was clear now that Bruno had chosen a different path by entering into partisan politics and standing as a candidate in the May 9 general election for public office.

“All I wish to say is that he is doing so on his own volition and not with the consent or blessing of our church,” he said.

Bruno was named by Parti Cinta Sabah as its candidate for Ranau to face BN's Ewon Ebin, a former federal minister, and two other candidates (PKR and Solidariti) in a four-cornered fight.