GE15: Bersatu has started screening candidates, says Radzi

PUTRAJAYA: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) is in the midst of screening candidates to field in the upcoming 15th General Election (GE15), says Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin.

The Bersatu vice-president said the party has received a list of potential candidates.

"There are many criteria that we are looking for when selecting the candidate.

"What's important is to select those who have integrity and are accepted by the rakyat," he told reporters after the 2022 Education Sector National Language Decade (DBK) celebration here on Thursday (Oct 6).

Radzi, however, did not confirm whether or not his name is on the list.

"If my name is there, I will compete. If it isn't, then it's okay too," he said.

On another matter, Radzi confirmed that Perikatan Nasional Cabinet ministers had sent a letter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to oppose holding GE15 this year.

"I can confirm that ministers from Perikatan Nasional have submitted a letter to request that the election is not held at this point in time.

"What's important for us in the government is to focus on issues that involve the welfare of the rakyat," he said.

News portals, quoting sources, reported that the letter dated Oct 3, was signed by 12 ministers from Bersatu and PAS.

In the letter, the ministers reportedly cited the flood season and economic recovery efforts in the country as among the reasons to hold off the national polls.

When asked if Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is aware of the letter, Radzi said the Prime Minister should already be in the know.

"Since it's already out in the news, he should be aware by now," he said.

At 4pm on Thursday, Ismail Sabi will have an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.