Perak BN is ready to hold election simulation exercise anytime in preparation for the coming 13th general election (GE), said its chairperson Zambry Abdul Kadir.

"To date, we have not held such a simulation exercise as reported," he said of the report by a news portal that Perak had already conducted a general election simulation exercise in which Perak BN lost.

Yesterday, Zambry who is also Perak menter besar, had denied that Perak BN had held such an exercise, describing the false report as a provocation.

NONE Speaking after chairing a state executive council meeting in Ipoh today, he said the report was trying to portray that almost all the 24 Umno division heads in Perak were reluctant to activate their election machinery until the names of the candidates were announced.

He said the issue did not arise as BN had agreed to consult, discuss and  reach a consensus on any matter including the choice of candidates for the GE.

He said the selection of candidates had been made early based on the criteria - winnable and likeable - as determined by the prime minister.

"I've already received the names of the shortlisted candidates which will be scrutinised and evaluated based on a formula set by BN," he added.

Earlier, after a briefing by audit firm Ernst & Young at his office, Zambry said the state government would be reviewing the functions of the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) to ensure the agency would remain competitive in a new socio-economic environment.

He said Ernst & Young, the world's leading audit and business consultancy firm, had been appointed to study the position of this state government agency which was established in 1967.

Zambry revealed that according to the preliminary report tabled by the audit firm, PKNP needed a stragetic and clear direction, as well as improvement in terms of implementation and achievements.

He said one area the state government was looking at was human capital development which required honing of skills and capability so that PKNP could move forward in tandem with current developments and growth.

"The organisation structure should be reviewed as the agency will need a paradigm shift, as the situation was unlike when it was established 44 years ago so as to make it more relevant and competitive."

Zambry, who is also PKNP chairman, said the renewal effort to be undertaken would be comprehensive to ensure that all the state government's subsidiary companies were on the right track.

- Bernama