The Penang Barisan Nasional (BN) has announced 31 new faces to contest in the 13th general election.

The 31 include former Penang PAS youth chief Dr Mazlan Ismail who has been announced as a candidate in Permatang Pauh.

Dr Mazlan will be facing opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the constituency.

The Pearl of the Orient will see 70 per cent new faces in Parliament and 60 per cent for state assembly seats.

Penang BN chairman, Teng Chang Yeow said the candidates chosen by BN are the best and are chosen based on their credibility.

He also reminded all members to work together and said he will take action if there are incidents of sabotage towards the candidates and the party.

“We cannot stop anyone from sabotaging but the person who sabotage will face serious consequences including sacked from the party. So, we hope everyone places the party before their selves,” he said.

State Umno liaison chairman Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman, in reiterating Teng’s stand said Umno has watchdogs in every states and Parliament seat.

“We have 53 watchdogs under Umno. They will monitor any incidents of sabotaging,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Mazlan said he is willing to take on anyone in the Permatang Pauh area.

“I have high motivation and I hope I will win,” he said.

Umno Youth information chief Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican has been placed in the Kepala Batas Parliament seat which was contested by former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Teng will be contesting in Bukit Tengah and Umno state chairman Datuk Zainal Abidin will be contesting in Nibong Tebal.

Penang BN will be contesting in 13 Parliamentary seats and 40 state seats in the 13th General Election.