SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) has confirmed that it will contest nine of the 56 state seats in the Selangor state elections next month.
Its chairman Izham Hashim said the party will defend the Sabak, Meru, Pandan Indah, Hulu Kelang, Morib, Seri Serdang, Sungai Ramal and Taman Templer seats that the party won in the 14th General Election.
“Another seat is Hulu Bernam, which we swapped with Barisan Nasional. Barisan took the Jeram seat,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama here.
Commenting on state Amanah candidates, Izham said the list of candidates was finalised yesterday by Amanah’s top leadership.
“The committee has finished selecting (the candidates); the list will be brought to the top leadership for the nominees to be endorsed today. We will announce it once it is finalised.
“The selected candidates must have certain criteria such as academic qualifications, experience in politics and be able to work and hold a position in the party,” he said, adding that Amanah will field a combination of new and old candidates, youth and women.
Regarding the party’s preparation to face competition from Perikatan Nasional in Selangor, Izham said Amanah believes it can defend at least eight seats in the upcoming polls.
“We have served in Selangor for three terms, and we can see the stability and prosperity in Selangor. There is no reason voters would want to make the switch.
“In Selangor, we have a very good record. In terms of programmes for the people, from dozens (previously), now there are 46 programmes (for the people).
“Besides, we are not involved in any scandals, cases of corruption or stealing people’s money,” he said.
Selangor Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari recently announced that the seat distribution between Pakatan and Barisan had been completed.
More than 20% of the 56 state seats will be represented by Barisan, while the rest will be contested by Pakatan candidates consisting of PKR, DAP and Amanah.
On July 5, the Election Commission announced that state elections in Selangor, Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Negri Sembilan will be held simultaneously on Aug 12, with nomination day on July 29 and early voting on Aug 8.
