Sherry Sufi has resigned from the federal election campaign as Liberal candidate for Fremantle.

Mr Sufi has also quit as the chair of the WA Liberals’ policy committee.

The decision follows negative publicity that he has received over his comments opposing same-sex marriage and indigenous recognition.

On a visit to Fremantle earlier this week, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was forced to distance himself from Mr Sufi’s comments and explain why the then-candidate was not present at his media conference.

In a statement today, Mr Sufi said it was not a decision he took lightly.

“I have taken the decision to resign my position as Liberal Candidate for Fremantle at this Federal election,” he said.

“I am doing this in light of continued focus on events from my history”I apologise if my words and actions have caused offence to anyone.”

“This was never my intent.”

“I am disappointed that I will not be seeing this campaign through, but I am putting the interests of the Liberal Party first.

“I want to avoid further distraction from the good work being done by the Prime Minister and his Liberal team.”

– TiVi Tuan-san