MELAKA: Up to 86% of Barisan Nasional candidates for the Melaka state election are new faces, says the coalition chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

       He also said 78% of Barisan's candidates were below the age of 50.

       “As far as education is concerned, 82% of Barisan's candidates have tertiary qualifications.

       “We are offering the people not just new faces, but also those who are below 50 and with tertiary education,” he said from Germany where he is receiving medical treatment for back and neck pains.

       Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, added that the names of the candidates would be announced on Saturday (Nov 6).

       Meanwhile, Melaka Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the manifesto for the state election would be launched after the nomination of the candidates.

       “The manifesto is a new offer to the people if Barisan is given a fresh mandate on Nov 20.

       "We will offer a new deal in our manifesto to the people of Melaka, resulting in a stable, prosperous and credible government,” he said in a press conference here on Thursday (Nov 4).