Rahman pulls out of Tempasuk race, replacement announced

Sabah Umno deputy chief Abdul Rahman Dahlan has withdrawn from the race for the Tempasuk state seat.

He personally informed the party of his decision, said Sabah BN chairperson Bung Moktar Radin.

“He told us that he’s pulling out as a candidate. Azwan Norjan, the Kota Belud Umno division chief, will now contest the seat,” Bung said.

Asked for the reason behind Rahman (above) dropping out of the contest for Tempasuk, which lies in the Kota Belud parliamentary constituency, Bung said it was best to ask the former federal minister himself.

Pressed on the matter, he told Malaysiakini, “It’s okay. What else can we do?”

Making way for fresh face

In a statement, Rahman said he has informed Umno president Zahid Hamidi of his decision not to contest.

”I told the president that I wish to make way for a new face and a local from Kota Belud to represent Umno in Tempasuk.

”I have contested three times in the Kota Belud parliamentary seat (2013, 2018, and 2022) - winning twice and losing once. In all three contests, Umno still secured the majority of votes in the Tempasuk state seat, even when we lost the parliamentary seat.

”I believe a local candidate from Kota Belud Umno will be able to shoulder this responsibility excellently,” he added.

Rahman also assured that as an Umno member, he will continue to serve and assist the party in other capacities.

A two-term MP for Kota Belud, Rahman was seen as one of BN’s senior figures returning to battle at the state level.

His decision to bow out caught many in the party off guard, with nomination day slated for this Saturday.

The Tempasuk incumbent is Arsat Bistari, who won the seat under the BN-Umno ticket in 2020. He later aligned with the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) ruling coalition.

GRS earlier named Arsat as its candidate to defend the seat.

• GRS to clash with BN in 40 seats, some in graft scandal not listed

• Rafizi: Sabah candidates show PKR didn't learn from Malacca wipeout

• Warisan fields Fuad Stephens' daughter for Sabah polls, Leiking bows out

• BN clashes with PKR in Karamunting, Star takes on GRS in 17 seats

• 'You wanna bet?': Pandikar confident in second Pintasan bid

BN fields candidates on mission to defeat Hajiji, PBS president

Bung denies split in Sabah Umno, rift with Rahman Dahlan

'ICAC found no case': Rahman Dahlan defends Musa's appointment

Umno veteran says 'ticket to heaven' greatest bribe of all