Sabah Umno deputy chief Abdul Rahman Dahlan’s decision to withdraw from contesting in Tempasuk for Barisan Nasional was not due to internal issues within Sabah BN, says Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The BN chairman said Rahman made the decision honourably after discussing with him about making room for younger candidates put forward by Sabah Umno.
“He called me earlier to request his withdrawal.
“Two days ago, he was with me and the candidate in Tuaran, as well as today when I went to Kota Belud.
“Yesterday, Rahman himself came to accompany the candidate (in Kota Belud).
“There is no problem whatsoever within BN,” he told reporters after officiating the Karnival Lindung Kerjaya event here today.
Zahid lauded Rahman for being magnanimous and always putting the party’s interests ahead of himself, thus setting an example for other leaders.
“He withdrew because he felt that the opportunity should be given to a younger person. So, Sabah Umno decided to field Azuwan Norjan as the candidate in Tempasuk.”
There will be a seven-cornered contest in Tempasuk as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s Arsad Bistari seeks to defend his seat against Azuwan, John Samud (Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat), Rimin Maun (Parti Kebangsaan Sabah), Timuti Majitol (Parti Impian Sabah), Khidir Lamsil (Warisan) and Walter Mark Mukis (Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku).
