Malaysia State Elections Ph Bn Relations Face Stern Test In Negeri Sembilan As Pn Eyes Upset

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Tussles over seat distribution and chief minister candidates have fuelled talk of an uneasy alliance in Negeri Sembilan between the two major coalitions in the unity government.
(CNA) – The upcoming state elections in Negeri Sembilan will feel strange for voters like Ikmal Syafiq.
The state, located in the western part of Peninsular Malaysia, has traditionally been a hotbed of political activity.
Recent polls in the state saw fierce contests primarily between candidates from Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN).
At the 15th General Election (GE15) in November 2022, the eight parliamentary seats in Negeri Sembilan saw BN win five while PH clinched the remaining three.
No other parties, including the federal opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional, hold any federal or state seats in the state.
The Election Commission is expected to announce the nomination and polling days for the six state polls of Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu in the coming weeks.
Ahead of the six state elections, PH and BN will be working together under a pact of cooperation, similar to its alliance at the federal level.
Ikmal, who has lived in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan all his life, told CNA: “I think it feels especially weird for Negeri Sembilan because PH and BN have been enemies for so long here. The rivalry is strong. Voters and communities are divided across the two sides.”
“The two are also ideologically very different. It will be interesting to see how they work together,” said the 42-year-old business owner.
While most stakeholders in Negeri Sembilan expect the pact of PH-BN to retain control of Negeri Sembilan at the polls, many anticipate that the campaign will be a stern test on whether the two coalitions are able to work together effectively.
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