KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional (PN) election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor today revealed that the coalition has identified several candidates to be made poster boys and Menteri Besar (MB) aspirants in the upcoming state election.

This was contrary to a statement by Selangor Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari, who several days ago, said there was an agreement made at the party Supreme Council level that there would be no poster boy in the state.

However, Sanusi insisted that poster boys for Selangor and Negri Sembilan have been picked.

"We have our poster boys who will be highlighted as MB candidates.

"But who they are exactly, I cannot reveal just yet," he said at the breaking of fast and fund raising dinner for Pas Relief's Aid For Turkey and Syria.

Also present was Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and vice-president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

State elections in Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu are expected to take place in the middle of the year.

These states did not dissolve their state assemblies for the 15th General Election last year.

Sanusi, who is Kedah Menteri Besar, said at state level, PN has finalised its seat distribution matters.

The list, he added, would be brought to the central leadership for deliberation and adjustments, if necessary.

He said the discussions on seat distribution were negotiated harmoniously with PN coalition partners namely Bersatu, Pas and Gerakan.

Gerakan, he added, were also given seats to contest and most are located in Penang.

Sanusi added that PN has appointed coordinators at the states who will discuss issues among themselves without the need to raise it to the central leadership.

"Negri Sembilan, the coordinator is PN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu for Bersatu and Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan for Pas.

"Pas vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad will oversee matters in Penang.

"In Selangor, Tuan Ibrahim will take charge while Bersatu is represented by its vice-president Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin," he added.

Sanusi said PN expects the state election to take place between the last week of July and the first week of August.

The coalition, he said, was ready to fight its opponents and wrest the Pakatan Harapan states.

"I am confident of us capturing Selangor, Negri Sembilan and parts of Penang as well," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/03/892822/pn-identifies-poster-boys-state-polls