In a statement, Sipitang Umno chief Abd Rahman Noh said the party’s constitution prevented them from helping those who had “betrayed” the party and were subsequently sacked.

“This decision was made to protect Umno’s dignity in Sipitang.”

Rahman also said they have shut down the party’s operation centres in 17 voting districts in Sindumin with immediate effect.

“Other parties will be barred from using the BN machinery in Sindumin to campaign,” he said, adding that the division was disappointed that BN was not given the opportunity to contest the seat.

While Rahman did not identify anyone in particular, Sabah PKR had on Nov 9, announced that Yamani Hafez Musa would be contesting in Sindumin, a seat which was held by Warisan previously.

Yamani, who is Sabah governor Musa Aman’s eldest son, won the Sipitang parliamentary seat on a BN ticket in the 2018 general election.

He later joined Bersatu and did not defend the seat in the 2022 elections.

Sipitang Umno’s statement comes a day after Sabah PKR objected to BN’s move to field a candidate in Karamunting.

PKR had previously announced George Hiew as its candidate, only for BN to later name Chin Kim Hiung as its candidate for the seat.