Zahid: BN to field many young candidates in GE16

BN will field many new faces, especially among the youth, in the upcoming 16th general election, said its chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said this initiative is one of five steps outlined to strengthen BN component parties in regaining people’s support.

“I believe we have no choice but to field new candidates, particularly among the youth. The by-elections in Nenggiri and Mahkota recently proved that this hypothesis is true.

"The suitability of a candidate is not only based on their age but also on their strong grassroots exposure, which can lead to a decisive victory,” he told a press conference today after officiating the Perak BN Convention at a hotel.

Also present were BN secretary-general Zambry Abd Kadir, Perak Menteri Besar and state BN chief Saarani Mohamad, MIC treasurer and Perak MIC chairperson M Ramasamy and MCA deputy president Mah Hang Soon, who is also Perak MCA chairperson.

Representatives from Pakatan Harapan including Perak Amanah chairperson Asmuni Awi, Perak DAP treasurer Howard Lee and Perak PKR chairperson Mohamad Hairul Amir Sabri, were also present.

Nenggiri, Mahkota wins

The Umno president cited the example of the Nenggiri by-election, where BN succeeded in reclaiming the constituency, which was under the opposition's control, by fielding a young candidate.

“We can still win if we implement a game changer in the area. Similarly, in Mahkota, we proved once again that the hypothesis and approach were correct.

“I think it is not about sidelining the veterans but ensuring a good combination of the old and new.

“We were young once and were given opportunities back then. When we take over leadership, we must provide ample opportunities for young candidates to contest in upcoming elections,” the Bagan Datuk MP stressed.

When asked about identifying potential candidates, he said specific measures had been planned for Perak to ensure the process is well-executed.

Earlier, in his speech, Zahid outlined other measures to strengthen BN that include reinforcing the party machinery, mastering technology such as social media, grooming potential candidates - including members of the Puteri, Youth and Women’s wings, strengthening ties with partners in the unity government and garnering support from young voters.

Regarding seat negotiations with Harapan for GE16, Zahid said that while parties within the unity government can provide suggestions, the ultimate decision should rest with the top leadership to avoid overlapping claims.

However, he said that no discussions on the matter have taken place yet, and they are expected to begin once Parliament and state legislative assemblies are dissolved.

At today’s convention, Zahid announced that RM382 million had been allocated for Perak this year and that over RM400 million is expected to be allocated to the state next year.

- Bernama

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