ALOR GAJAH – Melaka and Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) today dismissed as fake candidate lists for the coming general election that have been making the rounds on social media.
Describing the list as mere speculation, Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, however, admitted that some of those listed were among the 30 names submitted to the party leadership for consideration.
“It’s just speculation. It may be true, and may be not,” he said, while stressing that he had yet to receive any official reply from the party headquarters regarding the proposed list.
Among the names included in the viral list is Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali, who is said to contest the Masjid Tanah parliamentary seat.
In his response, Sulaiman said he did not know about the viral list and described it as being done by “naughty boys”.
“I don’t know. Let’s wait for the announcement by the state BN chairman on November 2,” he told reporters at the opening ceremony of the Alor Gajah Municipal Council’s office here today, with Rauf also present.
Meanwhile, Johor BN chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad said the list was inaccurate, adding that the coalition had yet to finalise the candidates contesting in 26 parliamentary seats in the state.
“The party leadership is carrying out some processes to identify the candidates, and we have not made any decision regarding this matter,” he said.
According to the viral list, several incumbents were dropped as candidates, including Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan (Pontian) and Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique (Kota Tinggi).
It also listed Hasni as the candidate for Simpang Renggam and Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin for Kota Tinggi.
The announcement of Johor BN candidates is expected to be made on November 3, a day after the launch of BN’s election machinery.
The Election Commission has set November 19 for polling, while nomination is on November 5, and early voting is on November 15. – Bernama, October 27, 2022
