Jafry confirms Abdul Rahman’s resignation as Umno Tuaran chief

KOTA KINABALU (April 5): Umno Sabah chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin has confirmed Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan’s resignation as Umno Tuaran Division chief.

Jafry said that Abdul Rahman remains an Umno member and has retained his position in the Umno supreme council.

He declined to comment further on the matter.

Abdul Rahman, a former federal minister, could not be reached for comment but had spoken to a news portal to disclose his resignation.

On Saturday night, he posted on his Facebook page: “I have had the privilege to serve, to contribute, to learn and to lead. But leadership is not only about holding office, it is about knowing when to step aside with dignity, clear conscience, deep gratitude and unwavering belief in the future. I believe every role has its season and mine has come to a close.”

The post did not make any direct reference to his resignation as Umno Tuaran chief, which was said to be effective April 1.

It is learned that Umno Tuaran chairman’s post is now being filled by its deputy chairman, Noorbaki Lamsari.

Abdul Rahman took over as Umno Tuaran head after Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor left the party in December 2018.

He was Umno Sabah deputy chairman under the leadership of the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

Jafry has since taken over as chairman, while Umno Penampang chief Datuk Hasnol Ayub Aman assumed the role of state deputy chairman from Abdul Rahman following Bung Moktar’s passing in December last year.

In the November 2025 state election, Abdul Rahman was named Barisan Nasional’s (BN) candidate for the Tempasuk state seat in Kota Belud but declined the nomination just hours later.