Hadi, who is also the PAS president, said PN’s doors are open to any prospective candidate capable of winning a seat for the coalition.

“The names of candidates can change at any time before nomination day,” he told reporters after the announcement of PN’s candidates for Kedah parliamentary seats last night.

He was responding to speculation that PN might offer former Arau MP Shahidan Kassim, who was dropped from Barisan Nasional’s list of candidates, the chance to contest on PN’s ticket in GE15.

Earlier yesterday, Perlis PN chairman Syukri Ramli was reported to have informed the PAS and PN leadership of Shahidan’s intention to defend the seat.

PN will contest 169 parliamentary seats, including 74 by Bersatu, 64 by PAS, 20 by Gerakan and 11 by affiliated groups.

PAS will also contest 57 state seats in Pahang, Perlis and Perak, Bersatu (41), Gerakan (14) and affiliated groups (four).