Minor hiccups in preparing candidates list, says Zahid

BAGAN DATUK: Slight problems “here and there” including in the selection of candidates is something normal each time there is a general election, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The deputy chairman of the Barisan Nasional acknowledged that there were some minor hiccups in Perak Barisan’s preparation of its candidates list.

“The announcement of candidates has not been made because we are waiting for instructions from the Barisan headquarters.

“When the signal is given from the headquarters, it (the list) will be handed over to Perak Barisan chairman (Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir) to make the announcement,” Dr Ahmad Zahid told a press conference after attending the state level Rela’s 46th anniversary celebration here.

It was reported that internal squabbles were among the factors which were delaying Perak Barisan from completing its list of candidates.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister and Bagan Datuk MP, said he had gone around the country and found that problems related to the coming election in Barisan were “not as big” as during previous elections.

Meanwhile, Dr Ahmad Zahid said Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would be finalising the distribution of seats, including that of Wangsa Maju and Bandar Tun Razak.

He said he had met with Wangsa Maju Umno Division committee members who expressed dissatisfaction over the decision to hand over the Wangsa Maju parliamentary seat back to MCA.

“In the 13th general election, the seat (Wangsa Maju) was loaned to Umno (to contest in). MCA wants the seat back.

“I urge everyone to respect the decision made by the Barisan chairman. I hope that no one acts rashly,” he said.

He added that team spirit was crucial to ensure victory for Barisan. — Bernama