Possibility of BN direct candidates for GE14 ‘mere talk’, says Dr Sim

KUCHING: The possibility of a Barisan Nasional ( BN) direct candidate being fielded in the coming general election has been described as ‘mere talk’ by Sarawak United Peoples’ Party ( SUPP) president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said under the BN principle, only candidates from BN component parties could contest under the ticket of BN in any election.

“It (direct BN candidate) must be agreed by the BN Supreme Council,” said Dr Sim when asked to comment on the possibility of a BN direct candidate at SUPP headquarters here yesterday.

SUPP, in a press statement recently, revealed that the party had received assurances from BN at the national level that it will contest in all seven of its ‘traditional’ seats in the upcoming parliamentary election.

The seats are Bandar Kuching, Stampin, Serian, Sarikei, Sibu, Lanang and Miri.

The statement, however, received a backlash from United People’s Party ( UPP) who said under the BN direct candidate formula, UPP was able to deliver 72 per cent success in seats which it has contested.

UPP, which is a BN-friendly party, has reportedly submitted its list of candidates to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for the next parliamentary election.