Gerakan's candidates list for the upcoming general election was submitted to Prime Minister Najib Razak early this month, said its president Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

He said 50 percent of the candidates were new faces to reflect the reforms undertaken by the party.

"We have submitted our first cut list in every area, the persons that we have assessed are the most winnable (candidates). But this is not final, because we are in the process of continual assessment," he told reporters after launching seven books in Mandarin containing articles written by seven of the party's leaders in Chinese newspapers since March 2008 today.

The books featuring articles written by Teng Chang Yeow, Liang Teck Meng, Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai, Dr Thor Teong Gee, Teoh Hang Chong, Tan Kah Leong and Cheah Cheng Huat can be purchased at selected bookstores.

Meanwhile, commenting on former DAP vice-chairman Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim's call to Malaysians to support and give a chance to Najib to see through his (Najib's)

transformation initiatives, Koh said Tunku Aziz was an independent-minded person.

"He always gives balanced views, if something is right he will say so and vice versa. He is independent, that's my observation," he said.

He added that Tunku Aziz was also a highly principled person and was always firm when it came to matters of integrity.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said he appreciated Tunku Abdul Aziz’s glowing tribute to Najib for implementing the transformation programmes.

Muhyiddin Yassin said Tunku Abdul Aziz's statement, which also called on the people to support Najib's leadership, was rational and that he served as a role model to others.

"I deeply appreciate the views from someone (Tunku Abdul Aziz) who really understands the current situation," he said in Muar.

- Bernama