BARISAN Nasional (BN) candidates for the six state elections have been reminded to stop the practice of giving handouts during the campaign period.

BN deputy chairman Mohamad Hasan, better known as Tok Mat, said this is to avoid ruining the reputation of the candidate, which could negatively affect the campaign.

“I have reminded our candidates to look after themselves in the 14-day period (campaign) and to forget about acts of charity,” he said.

“This to ensure such practice will not be made an issue or become ammunition by anybody, to question the election results. So, to avoid such a situation, we refrain ourselves.”

Mohamad was speaking to reporters after handing out letters for the Negri Sembilan elections to BN candidates at Wisma Umno in Seremban today.

The BN election director also said the coalition’s manifesto is being evaluated by the central leadership and will be launched simultaneously with those of coalition parties in the unity government with the theme “Unity for Stability and Prosperity” soon.   

“We don’t want states to have manifestos that are too ambitious as the elections have their limits… we do not want to make all kinds of promises we cannot deliver,” he said.

On the 17 candidates who will be standing in the Negri Sembilan polls, Mohamad, who is also contesting the Rantau seat, said all of them are competent and have clean backgrounds.

“We, at the headquarters, have made stringent screening. All of them have passed with no issues that can be raised by people looking for trouble,” he said.

In the 2018 general election, Pakatan Harapan won 20 state seats in Negri Sembilan – 11 by DAP, six by PKR and three by Amanah – while BN secured 16.

The Election Commission has set the polls in Selangor, Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Negri Sembilan for August 12, with nominations on July 29 and early voting on August 8. – Bernama, July 28, 2023.