KULAI, Nov 3 — Johor Perikatan Nasional (PN) confirmed that there had been no discussion on the exchange of candidates including for the Pulai parliamentary seat, said Johor PN Election director, Rasman Ithnain.

He said so far, the discussions among the PN component parties on the selection of candidates had been smooth without any misunderstanding or anyone feeling hurt.

"PN has so far not heard of any exchange of seats. No discussions were held. What we’ve just heard are only rumours, (I believe), and provocations (by other parties).

"And as of now too, the name already in my hand is Deepak’s (Jaikishan Rewachand for the Pulai seat),” he told reporters at the Johor PN main operations room, here, today.

Rasman was asked to comment on a local English newspaper report yesterday which quoted Johor Gerakan chairman, Datuk Teo Kok Chee as saying that the party president, Datuk Dominic Lau had nominated another candidate to contest the Pulai parliamentary seat on a Gerakan ticket.

According to Teo, the decision to replace the candidate was made by PN chairman, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin two days ago.

On whether there were candidates from other parties trying to secure seats through PN as is the case in Perlis, Rasman said the matter would be decided by its headquarters.

Perlis PN reportedly confirmed that it had given way to the incumbent, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim to contest the Arau parliamentary seat in GE15. — Bernama