Candidate selection for elections must be more dynamic: Johari

Umno vice-president Johari Abdul Ghani said the selection of candidates to contest in elections should not follow traditional methods, but instead be more dynamic across all parties in the government.

He emphasised that every party in the coalition government should adopt a give-and-take approach in its choice of candidates to ensure victory in the election.

“Political strategy includes, among other things, candidates, the suitability of the constituency, and whether we have a suitable leader in that constituency.

“If we (the party) don’t have a suitable candidate in a constituency, and there is a better candidate in the unity government (coalition parties), perhaps we have to give and take and be dynamic.

“Just because we (previously) won the seat does not mean we should stop others from participating,” he told reporters after officiating the Bentong Umno division meeting today.

Johari (above), who is also the plantation and commodities minister, said identified election candidates should be given training to engage with the community, including being “in opposition”, in constituencies where elected representatives are seen to be lacking in calibre.

Asked about the Nenggiri state by-election in Kelantan, he said Umno was examining the background of the constituency.

“Umno has decided to contest, and once we identify our candidate, we will provide more details. We have a team in Umno conducting background research on the constituency, and other relevant factors,” said Johari.

The Election Commission has set the polling day for the Nenggiri state by-election on Aug 17, with nomination and early voting on Aug 3 and 13, respectively.

Nenggiri assemblyperson Mohd Azizi Abu Naim

The casual for Nenggiri was announced after the Kelantan state assembly received a written notice, in accordance with Clause (3) of Article 31A of the Kelantan constitution, from Nenggiri assemblyperson Mohd Azizi Abu Naim on June 13.

Azizi, who is also Gua Musang MP, was among the seven Bersatu lawmakers whose party membership was terminated for voicing support for the Madani government.

The seat was declared vacant by Kelantan state assembly speaker Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah on June 19.

- Bernama