KOTA KINABALU, Nov. 14 -- Tensions between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) have surfaced in Sipitang ahead of nomination day, with the local Umno division declaring it will not back the PH candidate for the Sindumin state seat.

Umno Sipitang division chief Abd Rahman Mohd Noh said the division was disappointed that BN was not given the opportunity to field its own candidate in Sindumin.

"Umno Sipitang expresses deep regret that BN was not given space to field a Umno-BN candidate for the Sindumin state seat," he said, adding that the decision was made unanimously during a special divisional committee meeting.

He said the division would instead give its full support and mobilise its election machinery to assist the Umno ca...