Kota belud: Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that there is no internal conflict within BN concerning Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan’s decision to withdraw from contesting for the Tempasuk State Legislative Assembly seat in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election. Abdul Rahman Dahlan’s withdrawal was a result of a mutual agreement with Ahmad Zahid to offer the opportunity to younger candidates supported by Sabah UMNO.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid revealed that Abdul Rahman Dahlan made the decision after a series of discussions and meetings. Abdul Rahman had communicated his intention to withdraw during a phone call and later joined Ahmad Zahid and the candidate in Tuaran, demonstrating his continuous support. Abdul Rahman’s presence in Kota Belud alongside the candidate further evidenced the lack of any internal issues within Barisan Nasional.

Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as UMNO president, praised Abdul Rahman Dahlan for prioritizing the party’s interests above his own, setting a commendable example for other leaders. This decision, Ahmad Zahid noted, underscores the spirit of unity and strength within BN in Sabah. He acknowledged that although Abdul Rahman was initially offered the candidacy for Tempasuk, he chose to step aside to allow a younger candidate, Azwan Marjan, to contest.

The Tempasuk constituency will witness a competitive seven-cornered contest. Incumbent Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) will face off against John Samud (Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat or KDM), Dr Rimin Maun (Parti Kebangsaan Sabah or PKS), Timuti Majitol (Parti Impian Sabah or PIS), Mohd Khidir Lamsil (Warisan), Walter Mark Mukis (Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku or STAR), and Azuwan Marjan representing BN.