BN candidate list to be known soon

It will be released after unveiling of manifesto

PETALING JAYA: The much-anticipated Barisan Nasional candidate list is expected to be announced a few days after the coalition unveils its manifesto on April 7.

This will be the first time that Barisan will make known its candidates way ahead of nomination day.

In all previous elections, it was the practice of the coalition to name its candidates a day or two – or even on the eve of nomination day.

But for this general election, candidates will be given at least a week to make necessary preparations.

However, sources said it is still unclear how the process would be, whether Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is the coalition chairman, would personally present the watikah or letter of endorsement to the candidates.

Previous practice is that candidates for both parliamentary and state seats would get their letters from Barisan state chiefs.

Sources said one possibility is that Barisan would make the announcement in stages.

“In constituencies without much issues, candidates will be announced first. I believe Barisan leadership is still figuring this out,” said a source.

During the 2013 elections, Barisan announced its candidates on April 16, four days before nomination day.

There were also instances in which candidates were informed of changes in the eleventh hour.

In 2004, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who was earlier named as the candidate for the Tiram state seat, was asked to stand in Pasir Gudang par- liamentary seat, hours before going to the nomination centre.

Recently, Najib said in a break with tradition, announcing the candidates earlier would allow them to prepare and resolve problems in certain constituencies.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the move would also prevent internal sabotage and give time to appease those who were not fielded in the elections.

Ayer Hitam Umno chief Datuk Samsol Bari Jamali said despite talk of early announcement, the party has yet to give any indication as to when this would take place.

But Samsol said he welcomed the move as it would allow more time for candidates to get ready.

“Time is of the essence here and candidates can do with the extra time. Once the candidacy is made known, we can press ahead to ensure a win for Barisan,” said the three-term Semarang assemblyman.

Federal Territories Umno Youth chief Datuk Razlan Muhammad Rafii said once the candidates were announced, there would be no more lobbying, making it easier for Najib and the Barisan leadership to get down to work.

Political analyst Prof Datuk Abdul Halim Sidek said an early announcement of candidates would be a strategic move that would give any political party time to appease those who were dropped or not picked.

“This is important for Najib. As Umno president, he needs time to pacify party members and help heal wounds and ego.

“As Barisan chairman, Najib needs to resolve disputes among component members so that the coalition could enter the polls as a strong and united front,” said Prof Abdul Halim from UniKL’s business school.