BARISAN Nasional (BN) leaders and members, especially Umno, should set aside their differences and unsolved issues relating to the selection of candidates for the coming polls, caretaker Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

He said every decision made is in the interest of the coalition, so it was only right for every member to return the favour and give their support to ensure victory for BN in the election.

“Be it a general election, state elections or by-election, there would be issues regarding the selection of candidates. That’s normal. Not every name proposed will (be selected as a candidate to) contest.

“Even though everyone is qualified, only one candidate will be selected. What’s important is that he or she is representing BN and our job is to support them to ensure the coalition wins,” said Ismail, who is also Umno vice-president, after checking the BN machinery preparation at the Bera operation room today.

It was reported that certain Umno leaders and BN component parties were dissatisfied with the list of BN candidates for the general election and a certain incumbent was also reported to have decided to contest on another party’s ticket.

On another development, Ismail, who will be defending his Bera parliamentary seat, also called on all party members and supporters attending the nomination process tomorrow to maintain discipline and not engage in any provocation.

“There will be many people during the nomination tomorrow. So maintain discipline, and safety and avoid provocation. We want a harmonious election process,” he said.

In the coming election, the Bera incumbent will go up against Pakatan Harapan candidate Abas Awang and Perikatan Nasional’s Asmawi Harun.

In the 2018 general election, Ismail retained the seat with a 2,311-vote majority after defeating Zakaria Abdul Hamid of PKR and Musaniff Ab Rahman of PAS.

The Election Commission has fixed November 19 for polling and November 15 for early voting. – Bernama, November 4, 2022.