Best service main criterion for choosing Melaka BN candidates
MELAKA, April 23 (Bernama) -- The ability to provide the best service to the people is the main criterion for choosing the Melaka Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates to contest in the 14th General Election.
Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Idris Haron said the 34 candidates selected by BN's top leadership to contest in 28 state and six parliamentary constituencies had good track records in providing services to the people.
"Those chosen aren't just any old candidates, they have a good record of providing service to the people, especially representing BN, so taking into account the experience, capability and qualification of the respective individuals, we have decided on the best candidates for the 28 state and six parliamentary constituencies.
"These candidates are considered the best to represent BN, and can give a great fight as well as to win in style in GE14," he told reporters after announcing the Melaka BN candidates' list for GE14 at Seri Bendahara here, today.
During the announcement, Idris said he would be defending the Sungai Udang state seat, while Puteri UMNO chief Datuk Mas Emieyati Samsuddin would be defending the Masjid Tanah parliamentary seat.
Asked about parliamentary seat incumbents chosen to run in state seats this time, Idris said the change was made based on the experience and expertise of the candidates, as well as for BN to ensure victory in GE14.
Taking the example of Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah, who is Tangga Batu Parliamentary seat incumbent, to contest in the Paya Rumput state seat, Idris said this was because Abu Bakar knew best the needs of the people in the state constituency.
"He was selected for the state seat because he knows the needs of the people, and we also gauge the opposition's strength. We must be wise in fielding candidates. If we just field any candidate, we won't look wise.
"When fielding candidates, we must choose equal match-ups, (Abu Bakar) is the best candidate for the Paya Rumput state seat to face off against the opposition whom I understand is a former UMNO leader," he said.
PPBM had earlier announced the party's Supreme Council member Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen, who is also a former UMNO Youth executive committee member as the opposition candidate for the Paya Rumput state seat.
Meanwhile, Alor Gajah parliamentary seat incumbent Datuk Koh Nai Kwang, will switch to contest for the Machap Jaya state seat, and the Parliamentary seat would now be contested by the Prime Minister's political secretary, Wong Nai Chee.
Commenting on former Melaka chief minister Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam being re-nominated for the Hang Tuah Jaya parliamentary seat despite losing there in GE13, Idris said the decision was made based on Mohd Ali's excellent track record of helping the people in the constituency.
"The voters have seen that he (Mohd Ali) is always there to help the people, whereby they have elected a representative whom they have not seen for years.
"It's a weird situation when the one who wins abandons the area, and the one who loses, does the work. It is for this reason that he should be given the opportunity to defend the fate of the people in the Hang Tuah Jaya parliamentary constituency," he said.
-- BERNAMA
