Muhyiddin Yassin today asked Negeri Sembilan Umno to propose several names, instead of just one, as the BN candidate for the Bagan Pinang by-election in Negeri Sembilan.

The deputy prime minister said this was crucial to enable the party leadership to make a more objective evaluation of the candidates.

"I have not received anything so I cannot presume who will be nominated, but the top leadership including the prime minister and I are hoping that several names will be submitted," he said.

NONE Muhyiddin was commenting on the decision of the Teluk Kemang Umno which was reportedly keen to nominate only the former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar, Isa Abdul Samad, who is also the division head, as the candidate.

Isa would be a controversial candidate as he was suspended and stripped of his vice-president post in 2005 for his involvement in vote buying. He ended his three-year suspension last year.

The Bagan Pinang state seat fell vacant following the death of the incumbent assemblyperson Azman Mohamad Noor, 54, from the BN, on Sept 4.

Solution to T’gganu Umno crisis crucial

Commenting on the Terengganu Umno crisis, Muhyiddin who is also the Umno deputy president, said a meeting that would be transparent and open would be held with the parties involved after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

He said a solution to the crisis was most crucial as it had persisted for more than one year whereas the focus should be on efforts to develop the state.

"I will resolve the matter as I have said earlier. Under the present circumstances with the numerous breaking of the fast programmes and so on, the mood is not there yet but it is clear that a final solution to the problem is most important because we don't want it to prolong," he said.

The political crisis in Terengganu began after the appointment of Ahmad Said as the menteri besar because he did not get the support of several state assemblymen from the BN.

- Bernama