The people want representatives with integrity rather than those who make promises merely to gain support and popularity for the 14th general election (GE14), acknowledged a number of Barisan Nasional component leaders.

MIC Youth chief Sivarraajh Chandran said aside from being sure about what they wanted from a leader, the matured voters keep track of potential candidates through social media.

"Various behavioural studies have been carried out not only in the country but overseas. The most important thing that people want from a leader is integrity and trustworthiness," he told Bernama.

He was commenting on Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement that BN candidates for PRU14 were undergoing integrity screening other than health screening, conducted by a special BN unit together with relevant agencies such as Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Sivarraajh, who is also Cameron Highlands parliamentary coordinator, said it was the right move by BN to build confidence among the people particularly young voters.

"In addition to integrity, a candidate or elected representative must have commitment, compassion and dedication in solving the problems of the people," he said.

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth chief Fadillah Yusof (photo) said integrity was a question of credibility and uprightness as with regards to the honesty and strong moral principles of a leader.

"Actually, integrity defines our whole being, in personal and moral aspects, in our speech and manners. So it is important for those who will be elected representatives to possess integrity,” he said.

Fadillah, who is also Works Minister, said it had become BN's practice in every election to screen the candidates to ensure they were truly qualified, credible and possess integrity.

MCA Youth chief Senator Chong Sin Woon said elected representatives were obliged to undergo integrity screening in line with their responsibilities to the community, and be exemplary leaders.

Gerakan vice-president Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai (photo) said integrity symbolised the quality of honesty and moral principles of a person, so candidates who passed the screening would serve as a reflection of the credibility of a party.

Using governance and administration as examples, he said these could be crippled by loss of integrity such as corruption and breach of trust.

"This integrity screening is appropriate because individuals with integrity will readily comply as they are sure about carrying out their responsibilities without being conscious whether their actions are seen or not," he said.

Umno Information Youth chief Jamawi Jaafar said integrity was a matter of principle in determining the criteria of an elected representative “not only to win the PRU14 war, but also to fulfill all the promises made”.

”The potential elected representatives must be screened since they will be serving as leaders to champion the interest of the people and not their personal agenda,” he said.

- Bernama