PETALING JAYA: Former minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan (
pic) has resigned as Tuaran Umno chief but remains a member of the party’s Supreme Council.
The former Sabah Umno deputy chief and Kota Belud MP denied that his decision was due to problems within Sabah Umno, saying instead that he wanted to make way for new leadership.
He said that in the current political climate, Sabah Umno needs younger leaders to ensure its continuity.
“I have been involved in Umno for a long time, even 10 years before the party entered Sabah,” he said.
“I have discussed this with my friends in Umno, and they understand that in today’s political situation, we need to give way to new faces.”
His resignation took effect on April 1, and his deputy, Norbaki Lamsari, has filled the vacancy.
Rahman said he has informed Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki of his decision.
His position in Sabah Umno has seen ups and downs since 2020 following perceived differences with then state chief Bung Moktar Radin.
In 2024, Rahman invited Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman Hajiji Noor to the opening of the Tuaran Umno division meeting officiated by Zahid.
At the time, Umno and GRS were at odds, although both later worked together to form the Sabah government after the state election last November.
In that election, Rahman was initially slated to represent Barisan Nasional in the Tempasuk state seat but withdrew after his name was announced by Bung.
He said he stepped aside to make way for new faces and local candidates from Kota Belud to represent the party.
Bung died on Dec 5 last year and was replaced by Sukau assemblyman Jafry Ariffin, while Supreme Council member Mohd Hasnol Ayub replaced Rahman as Sabah Umno deputy chief.
Commenting on his political future, Rahman said he remains with Umno for now but acknowledged that he has received offers from other parties. – FMT
