PENAMPANG: Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who is also the Papar MP, has confirmed that he will not contest in the 17th Sabah state election.
The Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) deputy secretary-general dismissed reports from a news portal claiming he would contest the Pantai Manis state assembly seat. 
"I have no intention to contest any state assembly seats, including Pantai Manis. If I had 48 hours in a day, maybe I could consider it. But like everyone else, I only have 24 hours a day, and my current responsibilities are already challenging.
"I hope there will be a Pantai Manis assemblyman from GRS who can work closely with us. Currently, we have representatives from Kawang and Limbahau (GRS), and if Pantai Manis joins, insya-Allah, we can form the best team to bring meaningful and valuable change to the Papar parliamentary constituency," he said after attending the My Gaya Sabah 2025 event, which promotes the local fashion industry through the Buy Malaysian Campaign.
The event was officiated by the Yang Dipertua Negeri Sabah's wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin.
The Election Commission (EC) has set the nomination date for the Sabah state election on Nov 15, with early voting and polling day scheduled for Nov 25 and 29, respectively.
Pantai Manis is currently held by Datuk Mohd Tamin Zainal of Barisan Nasional, who won the seat in the last state election with a majority of 686 votes.
GRS is expected to announce its list of candidates for the 17th state election on Nov 12. – Bernama
