KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional's choice of candidates for the 14th General Election will be based on what's best for the people, and not through lobbying by component parties.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman, said the issue of seat allocation and candidates for the upcoming polls would be resolved through consensus reached by BN component parties.
"They (the component parties) will accept the decision made by BN.
"(Seat allocation) is not a question of lobbying, but what is perceived as the people's choice.
"The people's will should be the prevailing consideration," he said after chairing the BN Supreme Council meeting, here today.
Najib said one of BN's strengths is that it is a strong and stable coalition, unlike the opposition who lacked clarity in its directions and policies.
The opposition, he said, issue contradictory statements among one another until it remains unclear who their leader is.
"One of the pre-conditions to govern a country with continuous sustainability is to provide confidence that it can bring about a stable and strong administration through understanding and clear leadership, not just clarity in policy and vision.
"If this is the yardstick, then the opposition is sorely lacking in terms of clarity, in their sense of direction and policies, and their decision-making within the coalition is in almost total disarray."
Najib said the opposition seemed to differ on fundamental issues, making it hard for the people to have confidence in them.
He said Malaysia had enjoyed continuous political stability and this was a result of BN's success.
"BN's strength is that we are able to bring an image to the people that we are a coalition that is more viable and sustainable to continue leading the country."
Najib was then asked whether it was a "good time to go back to the people" and call for the elections.
He replied: "Any time is a good time.
"I have to check the stars and see," he quipped.