The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat by-election on April 25 would be someone from
the area, said Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

According to him, the list of names was about to be shortlisted but he declined to divulge the number.

"We have thousands of prominent personalities in Hulu Selangor; we're about to shorlist the names... we will know the candidate in three days' time.

"God willing, the person chosen is a local," he told reporters after handing over a starting grant for a private pre-school centre in Bandar Sungai Buaya, in Rawang, today.

Muhyiddin, who is Umno deputy president and BN deputy chairman, said all factors would be taken into consideration in choosing the candidate for the by-election including his background, qualifications and whether he could cooperate well with the BN leaders.

"(We will choose) whoever the people want, who is thought to be trustworthy as their representative, with no scandals, is highly qualified and be able to work together with the other leaders in carrying out socio-economic development programmes in the area."

Muhyiddin, who is also education minister, said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak would consider all informaton and feedback received from the people of Hulu Selangor before deciding on the most suitable candidate for the by-election.

"We've heard a lot of views and proposals from various quarters but ultimately, we will choose the best candidate to ensure victory for BN," he said.

BN will announce its candidate for the Hulu Selangor by-election on Thursday.

The seat became vacant following the death of its incumbent MP Zainal Abidin Ahmad of PKR from cancer on March 25.

- Bernama