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THE Election Commission (SPR) has confirmed strong early interest in Sabah’s 17th state election (PRN17), with 3,334 sets of nomination forms sold as at 13 November 2025.
According to SPR, the Sabah State Election Office recorded the bulk of purchases with 2,414 sets sold, while Returning Officers’ offices accounted for a further 920 sets. The figures, the commission said, reflect cumulative sales up to the stated date.
Separately, senior UMNO leaders have described Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan’s decision to make way for a new face in the Tempasuk state seat as a positive example of responsible leadership.
UMNO Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Abdul Rahman’s move demonstrated accountability and a willingness to prioritise the interests of the party and local voters.
“Abdul Rahman has already contacted the Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the party President, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, stating that he wants to give way to a new face, namely the leadership in that division (Kota Belud).
“He is not the division chief there, but the UMNO Tuaran chief, yet he was fielded to contest in the Kota Belud parliamentary area.
“Discussions were held at their level and Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman graciously agreed to give way. This is a good development, healthy politics, because we are providing room for local leaders,” he told reporters in Seremban last night.
Mohamad was commenting on Abdul Rahman’s decision not to contest the Tempasuk seat in order to allow a local candidate to stand.
The move was confirmed by UMNO Sabah chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who announced that Kota Belud UMNO chief Azuwan Marjan Norjan would replace Abdul Rahman as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate.
BN is expected to face the incumbent, Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari, who has been confirmed as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s (GRS) candidate to defend the seat.
Mohamad said he hoped the opportunity given by Abdul Rahman would help secure victory for the new contender. “I hope the new candidate, Azuwan Marjan Norjan, can bring victory for BN,” he said. - November 14, 2025