KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Barisan Nasional will field its best new faces as candidates for the Melaka election on Nov 20, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

       The Barisan chairman said this did not mean that the old candidates were no good, but was more of a game-changing move by the coalition.

       "Besides Umno, there will also be seats for MCA and MIC candidates.

       "Barisan candidates must be acceptable to people from all races, religions and lineages in Melaka,” he said in his speech when launching the Barisan machinery for the Melaka state election at the World Trade Centre KL (WTCKL) on Wednesday (Oct 27) night.

       Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, said candidates who would be put forward by Barisan at the state election were "winnable, acceptable and likeable”.

       At the ceremony on Wednesday night, Ahmad Zahid handed over the Barisan flag to the coalition's chairmen of the parliamentary constituencies in the state, namely, Tangga Batu, Alor Gajah, Jasin, Kota Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya and Masjid Tanah.

       The Election Commission (EC) has set polling date for the state election on Nov 20, while nominations would take place on Nov 8 and early voting on Nov 16.- Bernama