AYER KEROH: Melaka Barisan Nasional’s lineup of candidates for the 14th General Election (GE14) is geared towards meeting the aspirations and needs of grassroots voters, says state BN chairman Datuk Seri Idris Haron.
He said the mix of youth and experience was meant to realise the ‘24451’ formula devised by the state leadership.
He said all 34 candidates were selected after a thorough screening process, taking into account their expertise and stellar service record at state and Federal levels.
“We are being realistic with the 24451 formula, which is 24 state seats by BN, four state seats by the opposition, five BN parliamentary seats and one opposition parliamentary seat. The formula takes into account the strengths and abilities of the candidates selected by the party leadership.
“While some reports have suggested that ‘25360’ is possible, we are comfortable with the formula set by the state. Of the 34 BN candidates, 30 per cent are from the youth category,” he said.
On the shift involving the Tangga Batu and Alor Gajah parliamentary seat incumbents to state seat, Idris said this was done after taking into account the opposition as well as the needs of the grassroots.
“Datuk Wira Koh Nai Kwong (Alor Gajah) has been moved to the Machap Jaya state seat, while Datuk Wira Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah (Tangga Batu) has moved to the Paya Rumput state seat to face opposition candidates who are also former Umno Youth leaders. This will prove to be a real showdown.
As for the Hang Tuah parliamentary seat, we will see the strength of the former chief minister, Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam, who can wrest the seat from the opposition,” he said.
As for the candidates who were dropped, Idris said it is the norm in politics. He also thanked the leadership for placing their trust in him to contest the Sungai Udang state seat.