KOTA KINABALU: Incumbent Tuaran MP Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau is giving way to Upko Deputy President Datuk Wilfred Bumburing to represent the BN in the elections next month.

Tangau, who is Upko Secretary General, said he was stepping aside in line with the wishes of the party leadership.

"Upko is a party that represents our Kadazandusun-Murut community and the struggle of the party continues regardless of who is picked," he said.

"I know there are some among our grassroots supporters who may find it hard to accept, but we should look at in positively," he added.

He also called on party branch leaders to convey to members and supporters to ensure Bumburing would be a victorious Upko candidate and that there would be more votes from Upko Kiulu, which has 95 branches and some 6,000 members.

Meanwhile, Bumburing expressed gratitude to Tangau and Upko members in Kiulu for their willingness to continue to support him as the BN candidate in Tuaran.

"The wisdom behind the decision of the party leadership to have a different candidate for Tuaran constituency was done with great care and consideration.

"And I would like to extend my greatest appreciation and unfathomable thanks to Madius for giving me the chance to defend the seat on behalf of Upko and BN," he said.

"I know it was a hard decision to make and even harder issue to be understood by Upko members in Kiulu. I may not be able to catch up with the aggressiveness of Madius or be even on par with his academic and oratory skills, but with your support and commitment we would all be able to proudly defend the Tuaran seat."