BN chairman Ahmad Zahid confirms no internal problems after Abdul Rahman Dahlan withdrew from Tempasuk seat contest to allow younger candidate
KOTA BELUD: Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed no internal problems exist following Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan’s decision to withdraw from contesting the Tempasuk seat in the Sabah state election.
He stated Abdul Rahman made the honourable decision after discussions to provide opportunities for younger Sabah UMNO candidates.
“Earlier, he called me to request his withdrawal,” Ahmad Zahid told reporters after officiating the Karnival Lindung Kerjaya Programme here today.
He noted Abdul Rahman had accompanied him during campaign visits in Kota Belud and Tuaran without any issues within the coalition.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also UMNO president, praised Abdul Rahman for demonstrating strong party loyalty by prioritizing collective interests over personal ambition.
“The decision proved that Abdul Rahman has a big heart and always puts the party’s interests ahead of himself,” he said.
He explained the initial candidate offer went to Abdul Rahman, who voluntarily stepped aside for younger representation.
“Brother Azuwan Marjan was decided by Sabah UMNO to be presented as a candidate in Tempasuk,” Ahmad Zahid added.
He expressed confidence in Azuwan Marjan’s ability to secure victory for BN in the seven-cornered contest.
The Tempasuk constituency features incumbent Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah facing six opponents including BN’s Azuwan Marjan. – Bernama
