KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional has finalised its candidates for the upcoming Sabah state election after a thorough screening process, says its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
He said several potential names were received for each constituency, but only those deemed winnable and with clean records were shortlisted.
“When I was presented with the names, I made sure they were vetted by the police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Syariah Court and the civil courts to ensure they had no cases against them,” he said at the Inspirasi Wanita Luar Biasa TVET Giatmara programme here yesterday.
He said the line-up would include women, youth, experienced leaders and new faces, adding that the number of seats Barisan would contest would be announced later.
“We need to fix what is wrong and do what is right.
“What matters is that the next state government is aligned with the Federal Government so allocations and development projects can be better managed, and negotiations on issues conducted more efficiently,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
Ahmad Zahid added that Sabah Barisan’s manifesto would focus on realistic and achievable pledges, describing it as “the best one yet for the next five years”.
He also praised women in Barisan, especially Sabah Wanita Umno chief Datuk Noraini Idris, for their consistent support.
Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, meanwhile, lauded the women’s contributions, saying they were crucial to Barisan’s strength.
While acknowledging the need for more women candidates, he stressed that the priority this round would be winnability over quotas.
“We will be aggressively training our youth and women for the next elections.
“For now, we must strategise carefully and not just pick anyone to contest,” he said.
He added that being in opposition for three years had allowed the party to reassess and reorganise to return stronger.
Bung also stressed the importance of ensuring the next state government could work effectively with Putrajaya.
“It’s not enough to just shout slogans like ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ or ‘Kita Jaga Kita’ when at the same time videos of these people are spreading everywhere,” he said, in an apparent swipe at Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and other local parties.
Videos of state leaders from the coalition and parties allegedly being involved in corrupt practices have been circulating and making headlines over the past year.
