Defending stronghold not a reason for complacency, says BN Tempasuk candidate

By NST in November 23, 2025 – Reading time 2 minute

KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Tempasuk, Azuwan Marjan, is taking nothing for granted in this fiercely contested election, even though the constituency is considered a BN stronghold.

Azuwan said BN‘s record of holding the seat for five terms is no reason for complacency and cannot be considered an advantage in Sabah’s evolving political landscape.

“Tempasuk has been a BN seat for five terms.

“However, this election is different, and it will not be easy for BN to win, as the opposition candidate, especially from GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah), has previously won on an Umno ticket under the BN banner.

“This time, the contest is tough, but I am confident that with the loyal BN machinery on the ground, Insya-Allah, BN will be able to retain the Tempasuk seat,” he said after attending a meet-and-greet session with residents at Kampung Taun Gusi in Kota Belud.

He added that BN leaders have contributed significantly to Tempasuk’s development, including the Politeknik Kota Belud project, which is expected to be completed by 2031.

“This is a paradigm shift for the local economy and has the potential to accelerate growth and development in the constituency,” he said.

Azuwan also highlighted Tempasuk’s strong agricultural potential, particularly its rice-producing areas.

“This is evident alongside the tourism sector. Recently, (Deputy Prime Minister) Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi launched the MyFuture Jobs programme under the Human Resources Ministry, aiming to involve youth in Technical and Vocational Education Training.

“He announced that we will work to strengthen skills education and establish a vocational institution and Giatmara centre in Tempasuk,” he said.

Tempasuk, which has 17,116 registered voters, will see a seven-cornered fight in the Nov 29 election.

Azuwan, who is also Kota Belud Umno division chief, will face Rozlih @ John Samud from Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat; Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari (GRS); Dr Rimin Maun (Parti Kebangsaan Sabah); Timuti Majitol (Parti Impian Sabah); Mohd Khidir Lamsil (Parti Warisan); and Walter Mark Mukis from STAR Sabah.

In the 2020 election, Arsad won the seat on a BN ticket with a majority of 1,685 votes.

However, in February 2023, he announced his departure from Umno and BN before joining GRS.

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