BN’s full list of candidates for the 14th general election is expected to be announced on April 2 by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

New Straits Times reported that the announcement, which sources say will be made at the Putra World Trade Centre, will be attended by leaders of all 13 component parties.

Letters of appointment will supposedly be given by Najib to the candidates contesting the 222 parliamentary seats, which would be the first ceremony of its kinds.

In GE13, Najib had presented candidate appointment letters to component party leaders five days before nomination day.

It is understood that the ceremony to present the appointment letters to all candidates is to boost spirits ahead of GE14.

The candidate announcement on April 2 takes place five days before BN is expected to launch their manifesto on April 7 at Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil.

Umno information chief Annuar Musa reportedly declined to confirm the date of the candidate announcement, but said it would be held before their manifesto is launched.

“There is a possibility that it (candidates’ announcement) will be made earlier, as BN is ready (for the election) and has met the chairperson of the state liaison office.

“The names (of the candidates) are with the prime minister. He has fine-tuned it, and it is up to him (when to make the announcement).

“There is speculation that it will be made on April 7. But it is not impossible that (Najib) will announce it sooner as he is ready,” Annuar said.