BN seat allocation for Johor, Negeri Sembilan polls progressing smoothly - Zambry

PUTRAJAYA - Barisan Nasional's (BN) seat allocation process for the upcoming Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections is progressing smoothly, with no overlap or disputes among its component parties, secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said today.

He said while there had been early discussions involving potential candidates in several constituencies, BN's tradition of consensus and consultation had enabled the coalition to reach common ground.

"In principle, we do not see any problems with the seat allocation process because preliminary discussions have already been held.

At this stage, we only need to further strengthen matters relating to the selection of candidates.

"As far as seat distribution among component parties is concerned, we do not have any major issues,” he told reporters after attending a public lecture by University of Hong Kong Centre on Contemporary China and the World (CCCW) director Prof Li Cheng here today.

Zambry said the selection of candidates for the two state polls had been entrusted to the respective BN state chairmen, who would recommend suitable candidates for consideration.

"We have empowered the BN state liaison chairmen to work with us in proposing candidates because they are more familiar with the local situation.

"The recommendations will then be discussed at the BN Supreme Council, which will give the final approval.

"Although at the initial stage there may be individuals seeking to contest certain seats, in the BN spirit we will sit together and make collective decisions on candidates for seats that have been mutually agreed upon,” he said.

The Election Commission will hold a special meeting on Friday to discuss matters related to the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.

Johor dissolved its 56-seat State Assembly on June 1, followed by Negeri Sembilan's 36-seat legislature last Friday. - BERNAMA