ALOR SETAR (April 24): Kedah Barisan Nasional says it is not facing any major threat from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) and is confident of returning to power in the state in the May 9 general election.

State BN chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah claimed that PPBM, led by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, did not have sufficient manpower and was forced to rely on its partners in Pakatan Harapan.

"Yes, there are challenges whereby some Umno members who are angry with the party have moved to PPBM, but the number is small," said Ahmad Bashah. "I am convinced that PPBM's party machinery is relying on PKR and Parti Amanah Negara to carry out its election operations because it doesn't have enough people."

Speaking to reporters after announcing BN's list of candidates for the state, he expressed confidence that voters would not want to "forsake their future" by voting for Pakatan.

Ahmad Bashah, who is also the caretaker Kedah menteri besar, said the voters, especially youths, were aware of the promises made by BN in its election manifesto "which would benefit them".

The Kedah BN list, featuring 15 new faces for state seats and three for parliamentary seats, was only finalised late last night due to internal disagreements, according to party insiders.

The 15 state seats include Kota Seputeh, Bukit Pinang, Alor Mengkudu, Anak Bukit, Pengkalan Kundor, Tokai, Tanjung Dawai, Bukit Selambau, Balar Arang, Sidam, Bayu, Merbau Pulas, Lunas and Kota Darul Aman while the parliamentary seats are Sungai Petani, Pokok Sena and Alor Setar.

Asked if the decision to field new places in a third of the 36 state seats was due to aggressive lobbying by party supporters, Ahmad Bashah conceded that there was some lobbying but added that the lineup was sanctioned by BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

"The list was approved by the key leadership including Najib. It comprises winnable and likeable candidates to ensure that we win.

"Yes, there was some lobbying but after some research and a thorough check, these are the candidates chosen to represent BN in the election," he added.

Ahmad Bashah, 68, who will be defending his Suka Menanti state seat, said Kedah is ready for multi-cornered fights featuring Pakatan Harapan, PAS and other parties and independent candidates.

"This is normal; we have even encountered an 11-cornered fight in the Bukit Selambau state constituency previously. We are confident of facing the opponents," he added.