1,000 BN poll candidates identified

1,000 BN poll candidates identified

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) has identified more than 1,000 names to fill parliamentary and state seats for the coming general election.

Umno and Barisan Nasional secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor (standing, second from left) chatting with visitors at the 66th BN Youth Career Carnival in the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. Bernama pic

Umno and BN secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the list would soon be submitted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also Umno president and BN chairman, for shortlisting.

"We will screen these Umno and BN candidates before their names are given to the party president and inform the state liaison bodies," he said after visiting the venue of the 66th Barisan Nasional Youth Career Carnival, here, yesterday.

He said the list of names was obtained from state liaison bodies, involving 191 divisions and 222 parliamentary constituencies.

Adnan said they would review reports of the names studied by party sources and appointed agencies for the final listing.

"These names presented to divisions or states will not necessarily become candidates as we will look at other sources, too. Some divisions have provided three names, some less, and some have not given any names and are leaving it to the leadership to pick one."

Adnan said the candidates were a combination of new and old faces, especially those who were wise and could lead the people as well as develop the country.

He was also asked about rumours that Najib had met with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the dissolution of Parliament.

"Some say it (dissolution) will take place in the next few days.

"All are speculations. Whatever it is, we are ready." Bernama