Ahmad Zahid joins selfies with visitors during the career carnival.
KOTA KINABALU (Nov 16): Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed any suggestion of internal friction following Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan’s decision to withdraw from contesting the Tempasuk seat in the 17th Sabah state election.
He said the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) Sabah deputy chief made the decision after discussing it with him, acting with dignity to allow a younger candidate to step forward.
“He met me and had earlier called to inform me of his intention to withdraw. Two days ago, he even appeared on stage with me and the candidate for Tuaran.
“Today I am here in Kota Belud, and just yesterday Abdul Rahman personally accompanied the candidate for that constituency at an event. There is absolutely no issue within BN,” he told reporters after officiating the Lindung Kerjaya MYFutureJobs carnival in Kota Belud today.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, added that Abdul Rahman’s decision demonstrated magnanimity and a commitment to prioritising party interests over personal ambition, setting an example for other leaders and strengthening BN’s unity in Sabah.
“Indeed, he was initially offered the chance to contest, but he chose to step aside because he believed the opportunity should go to the younger generation. That is why Sabah Umno decided to field Azwan Marjan in Tempasuk.
“We are thankful to Abdul Rahman for giving way, and we hope Azwan will win the Tempasuk seat,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid also urged the people of Kota Belud, especially young voters, to make their choices wisely, calmly, and maturely.
“As BN chairman, I believe the three candidates we are putting forward are the best choices, not those who use money as their weapon.
“Let us compete in the best way possible, without attacking others, but by showing the development, employment and educational opportunities that BN can offer,” he said.
Abdul Rahman had announced on Nov 12 that he would not contest the Tempasuk seat in the upcoming state election, saying it was time to make way for fresh, local leadership from Kota Belud.
He also assured that he would continue contributing to the party in other capacities despite stepping aside as a candidate.