GE15: Next, finalising the candidates
KUALA LUMPUR - The question of candidates in the 15th general election (GE15) is now the next major issue confronting political parties and coalitions in the country after the Election Commission (EC) announced the crucial dates for GE15 today.
In Terengganu, state Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad said the coalition did not rule out the possibility of dropping old faces who are deemed not so suitable for GE15 to ensure the PH candidates give a serious fight to the contesting parties.
While admitting the unenviable task of preparing the candidate list, the Terengganu Amanah chairman said he is now confident some incumbents would make way for new faces.
"The people are disappointed as some of them did not show any improvement in their performance...I feel this is what the people want,” he told Bernama.
PH is certain of fielding candidates in all eight parliamentary seats in Terengganu even though PH did not win any in GE14.
In Melaka, the state Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) will be betting on professionals and businessmen as GE15 candidates.
Melaka Pejuang leadership council deputy chief Sheikh Ikhzan Sheikh Salleh said among the criteria for candidates are that they must be local residents, clear of any court cases especially relating to corruption and have credibility as leaders.
"All candidates should be in their 30’s to 50’s and have not contested in any parliamentary or state seats,’’ he said.
GTA is targeting to contest five parliamentary seats in Melaka namely Hang Tuah Jaya, Jasin, Tangga Batu, Alor Gajah and Masjid Tanah.
In Johor, Johor BN will ensure the momentum of victory from the state election continues into GE15 to push for the setting up of the federal government.
Johor BN GE operations director Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the machinery of its alliance partners is at the optimum level now for GE15.
"... we have made early preparations and the state election momentum will continue to push Johor in setting up the federal government,” he said.
EC has fixed GE15 polling day on Nov 19, nomination day on Nov 5 and early voting on Nov 15. - BERNAMA
