PONTIAN - Johor BN has confirmed that it has received a list of candidates who will contest in Parliament in the 15th General Election (GE15).
Its chairman Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad said the list of names was submitted to each division through the component parties of Umno, MCA and MIC.
However, he said there were divisions that have not submitted their list of names because they were still in the discussion process to identify candidates.
"When all 26 divisions have sent the names of the candidates, Johor BN will shortlist the names of the candidates to be submitted to the leadership.
"The candidates who will be elected need to be balanced between new faces, young people, professionals and women.
"Johor BN will present candidates who can win in GE15 later.
"Although the GE15 date is not yet known, all component parties at the divisional level need to complete the election machinery," he said.
Hasni, who is also a member of the Benut State Legislative Assembly said this at a press conference after the Benut Fun Walk programme in conjunction with the Car Free Day in Benut here on Friday.
When asked about the big names who expected to compete outside their constituencies in the upcoming GE15, Hasni stated that the matter might involve the BN leadership at the central level.
"I think that is a discussion by the top leadership and also on the platform of BN and Umno. It is not at the level of Umno and BN Johor to discuss the matter.
"So far it's just rumours. It's the same with me, there are those who say they will contest here and here especially in the run-up to the 15th general election," he said.
Sinar Harian on September 8 reported that Umno Supreme Working Council (MKT) member Datuk Seri Razali Ibrahim would contest against PN Chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the Pagoh Parliament in GE15.
According to sources, the party leadership agreed to move him from the Muar parliamentary seat which he won for three terms in GE11, GE12 and GE13.