KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Barisan Nasional (BN) rigorously evaluated potential candidates for years before settling on its list of hopefuls, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.

Stressing that the choices were not made on a whim, the BN chairman said the individuals were measured on factors such as their level of support and performance, among others, over the course of five years.

During a media event at the Putra World Trade Centre today, he added that this was to ensure not just a BN victory in the general election, but to also put in place the best leaders possible to continue the nation’s development agenda.

“That is why the candidates were selected based on certain criteria, including their past record and potential as well as political consideration,” he said.

Decisions were also influenced by the political realities that exist in each constituency, he added.

The BN chairman then urged the coalition’s leaders to graciously accept its strategy and decisions heading into the general election, even if they may have been overlooked.

“I understand those who were not selected would question the decision and be dissatisfied,” Najib said.

“I hope they would accept it with an open heart and support those who will be contesting, and put the party’s interest above everything else.”

The diversity of candidates chosen is not only to ensure BN wins the battle, but also the war.

“There is no point in winning the battle, if we end up losing the war,” he said.

While priority was given to candidates with local ties, he explained that multiracial BN also needed to consider the effects of a particular selection on the local community.

Noting the shift in Chinese support from BN in 2013, he said it was imperative to ensure there were candidates who could continue representing the community in the government.

“If our Chinese candidates are rejected and the people vote for someone else, then I would not be able to elect Chinese leaders to the Cabinet.

“It will be a sad day if there would be a small or no Chinese representation in the Cabinet or government,” he said.

Nominations for the general election will take place tomorrow while polling will be held on May 9.