Ruji, who retired from public service on June 21, described the rumours of his candidacy for the Merotai seat as speculation and urged the public to wait for an official announcement.

“Just wait, it won’t be long,” he told FMT, calling for attention to be given to the other 72 state seats in Sabah instead.

Acknowledging a desire to rest after 30 years in the civil service, Ruji nevertheless said that he did not rule out continuing to serve the public in other capacities.

“I have experience, I can still contribute – it doesn’t have to be in the civil service or as anything specific,” he said.

However, when asked if that meant entering politics, Ruji declined to comment. “No comment,” he said.

Local media in Sabah and social media have been abuzz over what is expected to be a tight race in Merotai, currently held by Warisan’s Sarifuddin Hata.

This follows reports that several high-profile figures, including Ruji, might be contesting the seat in the state election, which must be held by the end of the year.

Ruji, a Tawau native, last served as secretary-general of the unity ministry before retiring. He previously held the same post in the education and home ministries.

He also served as director of the Sabah State Development Office and CEO of the Eastern Sabah Security Command, or Esscom.

Sarifuddin, a former assistant finance minister in Sabah, won the Merotai seat in a six-cornered contest with a majority of 1,587 votes.