IPOH: Perak Umno has started the discussion for both parliament and state assembly seats to be contested in the coming general election, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

       The Perak Umno chairman said he however could not reveal the seats the party planned to contest.

       Speaking to reporters at Laman Sri Ridzuan here on Wednesday (June 22), he said the discussion which involved other Barisan Nasional component parties included for seats contested by Gerakan during GE14.

       “We are looking for the best candidates for the seats.

       “If there is a chance for candidates from Friends of Barisan to win in any seats, of course, we will put them there.

       “We will only put candidates who can win,” he said.

       In GE14, Gerakan which is now a member of Perikatan Nasional, contested in three parliamentary seats - Teluk Intan, Beruas, and Taiping, and three state seats namely Canning, Jalong, and Aulong.

       Saarani, who is Perak Mentri Besar, added that it was up to the people to decide which parties were the best to administer the state and country.

       “However, given the experiences voters had; being under Barisan government and 22 months with Pakatan Harapan, I am certain that the voters are smart enough to vote for a strong and stable government.

       “In order to lead a country, a government needs to have experience and Umno has proven its ability.

       “Just take a look during the Pakatan administration, even with an experienced prime minister, they still failed because the government had no experience,” he said.