'Good to name candidates early’

> PM's move allows BN leaders to 'pacify' those who were not chosen, says Zahid

CYBERJAYA: The decision by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak to announce Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates much earlier than in previous elections is to prevent instances of sabotage within certain constituencies, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“The prime minister decided to adopt an out-ofthe-box approach for the 14th general election. Unlike the previous practice, where BN would sometimes announce candidates either at the 11th hour or close to nomination day, the present decision will ensure that feedback and negotiations within BN members may occur several days before nomination day,” he said after completing a studio recording session at Big Studio TV AlHijrah yesterday.

While BN candidates are being selected using empirical and dynamic research to determine their winnability, awareness and acceptability, Ahmad Zahid said the proactive measure will give BN leaders more time to “cajole” party members and those who were not picked for candidacy.

“Sometimes, those who are not chosen will feel slighted and have the impression that they deserve to be selected.

“With this move, it will give us reasonable time to convince them otherwise,” he added.

On another matter, Ahmad Zahid said 19,637 convicts have completed their jail sentences outside prison walls under the parole system since its introduction in 2008.

The success rate was very good, at 80%, while the rate of recidivists was below 0.44%, he said.