Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today said that Umno may consider replicating its winning formula in three recent by-elections when finalising candidates to contest in the 14th general elections.

Zahid, who is Umno vice-president performing the duties of the party’s deputy president, said the candidates must be the most likeable in the constituency and not necessarily hold any positions at its division level.

“The usual consideration of winnable candidate is now no longer enough. The candidates must now be likeable. Even though they may not represent the leadership of a division...