BARISAN Nasional’s candidates for the upcoming Sabah state elections have been screened and identified, says chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The deputy prime minister said the party received several potential names per constituency before screening.

He said those who passed were candidates with clean track records.

“When I was presented with the names, I submitted them to the police, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Syariah Court and the civil court to ensure they had no cases,” he said.

He said this at the Inspirasi Wanita Luar Biasa TVET Giatmara programme on Saturday.

Asked how many state seats Barisan is targeting, Ahmad Zahid said this would be announced later.

He said the candidates include women, youth, experienced figures and new faces.

“We need to fix what is wrong and do what is right. I am not touching on any party or any individual,” he added.

Ahmad Zahid said what matters is that the next state government is aligned with the Federal Government.

“This ensures allocations and development projects are better arranged, and negotiations on issues are more efficient,” he said.

He said Barisan does not want rhetoric or manifestos that sound attractive but are not doable or accepted by the people.

“The manifesto by Sabah Barisan this round will be the best for the next five years,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid praised women in Barisan for consistent support in party activities, especially Sabah Wanita Umno chief Noraini Idris.

Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin praised women for their hard work and continued support for the party.