Penang Umno seeks grassroot feedback on candidates

SIMPANG EMPAT: Penang Umno is tapping the wisdom of the grassroots to choose their candidates to contest in the 14th General Elections.
State liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Osman said the new method is based on feedback from the grassroots and this is different from the previous process where names were suggested by division leaders.
He said grassroots members are being canvassed for their choices and the process began a few months back to identify candidates but did not elaborate on whether there will be new faces or not.
This will allow the grassroots to pick those they think who are best suited to represent their interests as elected representatives, he said.
"The names will be submitted to the central leadership before a decision is made," he told a press conference after attending a korban ceremony in conjunction with Hari Raya Haji at Masjid As Salom, Padang Lalang, near here, today.
He also welcomed the move by Gerakan and MCA to name their candidates early so preparations can begin for the next national poll which is widely speculated to take place likely next year.
He said choosing candidates early allowed them to begin canvassing for support from voters in the constituency they would be contesting, and the opportunity to touch base with voters to show the kind of service they can provide.
"I hope both will not only stop at naming their candidates early but also start to form their election machinery and get their house in order to ensure a win in the national poll," he added.