BERSATU has back-up candidates for the seats it is contesting in the event there is desertion in the ranks before nomination today, party sources said.

The party is aware of attempts by Umno to “persuade” its candidates to jump ship to the lynchpin Barisan Nasional party. 

“There has been talk. So, we are prepared for this possibility and have lined up back-up candidates who can file papers if our selected candidates abandon us,” said a party source.

Bersatu chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad remains optimistic that whatever hurdle the party faces, even from within, the party would be able to overcome them.

“We will know how to tackle that problem. We have a back-up plan,” he said.

Bersatu deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir said any attempt to buy over candidates will happen either after nomination day or when the results are announced.

“Basically just to keep an eye on them. Worst still, if there is a hung government. That’s when the buying might happen.”

There is talk on both sides that if the outcome of the elections does not favour them, they would switch camps.

PKR’s Rafizi Ramli predicted previously that a number of BN lawmakers from Sabah and Sarawak would jump ship if the elections swung to Pakatan Harapan’s favour. – April 28, 2018.