Party talks: Dr Gunsalam (centre) at the PBS political bureau meeting at the party’s headquarters in Penampang, Sabah.
SHAH ALAM: Ethnic and sub- ethnic composition of each of the 73 state constituencies in Sabah is one of the determining factors in selecting Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the Sabah polls, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan Nasional chairman said the state coalition had submitted a list of proposed candidates and that it is being reviewed.
“The criteria we use for candidate selection are also based on the Wali (winnable, acceptable, likeable) concept. We will also take into account (candidate selection) based on ground assessments.
“Many new and young faces will be featured, along with several experienced incumbents who have performed well in past elections and demonstrated their service to their constituencies,” he said after closing Konvensyen 152 (Article 152 of the Federal Constitution), Bernama reported.
On the number of seats Barisan will contest, Ahmad Zahid said it will be announced on nomination day.
Barisan was reported to have submitted its list of potential candidates to the police, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Syariah Court for vetting to ensure only individuals with high integrity are selected to represent the coalition.
The Sabah Assembly was dissolved on Oct 6 to make way for the 17th state election.
Meanwhile in KOTA KINABALU, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has offered its election machinery to the five Sabah STAR assemblymen who remained with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) after their party pulled out of the coalition.
PBS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the decision to extend the offer was made during the party’s political bureau meeting chaired by acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who directed the party’s division in the five constituencies to initiate discussions with them.
The five Sabah STAR assemblymen who stayed with GRS are Datuk Ellron Angin (Sook), Datuk Robert Tawik (Bingkor), Datuk Abidin Madingkir (Paginatan), Datuk Annuar Ayub (Liawan) and Datuk Flovia Ng (Tulid).
“These constituencies are among areas where PBS has a strong and active grassroots presence. The party believes that by pooling resources and working together on the ground, GRS can maintain its momentum and secure voters’ confidence,” he said.
Bangkuai said PBS has long maintained good cooperation with Sabah STAR and it will continue this partnership in the true spirit of GRS unity.
“Our decision was made out of a shared responsibility to preserve the trust and confidence that the people have placed in GRS, and to continue what we have started together for the benefit of our communities,” he added.
