Abdul Rahman's Decision To Make Way For New Face A Sign Of Healthy Politics - Mohamad  Hasan

SEREMBAN, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- The decision by Sabah UMNO deputy chief Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan to withdraw his candidacy for the Tempasuk state seat to make way for a local face in the 17th Sabah State Election has been described as a sign of healthy politics.

Barisan Nasional (BN) deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said it also reflected the sense of responsibility of a leader who prioritises the party and the people in the area.

"He is not the division head there. He is the Tuaran UMNO Division chief, but contested in the Kota Belud parliamentary constituency. So, discussions may have been held at their level, and he is very pleased to give way to the Kota Belud UMNO Division head (Azuwan Marjan Norjan).

"This is a good thing and a sign of healthy politics because we make way for local leaders. So, I hope this will pave the way for the new leadership or new candidate to secure victory,” he said.

Mohamad, who is also the Rembau Member of Parliament, told reporters this after presenting 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination kits and laptops to students of institutions of higher education, involving over 1,000 recipients in the Rembau parliamentary constituency here today.

Yesterday, Abdul Rahman was reported to have informed BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also UMNO president, of his decision and expressed his wish to make way for a new and local face from Kota Belud to represent the party in the constituency.  

The Election Commission has set Nov 29 as polling day for the 17th Sabah state election, with nomination day on Nov 15 and early voting on Nov 25

In the previous state election, the Tempasuk seat was won by Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari, who then represented BN, with a majority of 1,685 votes.

For the upcoming election, Mohd Arsad has been named as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) candidate for the same seat.

-- BERNAMA