KUALA LUMPUR: Six incumbent Umno ministers and deputy ministers will not be in Barisan Nasional’s list of candidates, The Star reported.

They are federal territories minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim; science, technology and innovation minister Datuk Seri Adham Baba; national unity minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique; communication and multimedia minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa; deputy minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin, and deputy minister in the prime minister’s department Datuk Mastura Mohd Yazid.

They are seen as being aligned to caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Shahidan Kassim, the incumbent Arau member of parliament, posted on his Facebook last night that all BN’s Arau action rooms had been shut down.

Annuar Musa posted a video on his Facebook this morning that he had not received any invitation to the media event to announce BN/Umno candidates at 8.30 p.m. tonight at Umno headquarters at World Trade Center Kuala Lumpur.

Critical of Ahmad Zahid, both Shahidan and Annuar are perceived as PM Ismail’s supporters.

Meanwhile, The Vibes, quoting a source, reported that Barisan Nasional candidates were required to sign a letter in support of party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi forming the new cabinet, should BN win the 15th general election.

“This includes backing Zahid to negotiate with other political parties and to appoint MPs of his choice as cabinet members, effectively positioning him as the prime minister candidate, according to party insiders,” it reported.

Sin Chew Daily earlier reported that some in Umno were trying to persuade Ahmad Zahid not to take part in the coming general election.

A source close to Umno said party secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan may also not contest in the election.