Negeri Sembilan DAP will retain more than half of its incumbent representatives as candidates in the upcoming state election, party secretary-general Loke Siew Fook has confirmed.
Speaking at the launch of the Lobak Electronic Screen at Dataran Lobak here, Loke said the party's candidate list is in its final stages and an announcement will be made within the next few days. He emphasised that the party also intends to field several new faces as it seeks to defend the 11 seats it won in the last state election.
"The candidate list will be announced early to give them time to prepare and familiarise themselves with the constituencies they will contest, particularly the new candidates," Loke said. "Any elected representative who is replaced must assist and support the new candidate to ensure victory and maintain the party's strength."
Loke, who serves as Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman, has previously stated that he will defend his Chennah seat in the upcoming election. His remarks come after Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun announced the dissolution of the state legislative assembly effective June 5, paving the way for a state election that must be held within 60 days.
The Election Commission has fixed August 1 as polling day for Negeri Sembilan, with nominations on July 18 and early voting on July 28. Johor, which dissolved its assembly on June 1, will go to the polls on July 11.
In the 2023 Negeri Sembilan state election, Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional formed the state government after securing 31 of the 36 seats. PH won 17 seats while BN secured 14 seats, with Perikatan Nasional winning five seats. DAP has maintained a perfect record of winning every seat it has contested in the state since 2013.
Loke also confirmed that Johor DAP has yet to submit its full list of candidates for finalisation. The party is expected to contest 11 seats in Negeri Sembilan and 17 seats in Johor in the upcoming polls, as seat-sharing negotiations between PH and BN have broken down in both states.
The Negeri Sembilan election comes amid ongoing political uncertainty following controversies over attempts to change the state government, which analysts say have tested confidence in UMNO's position within the unity coalition.
Sources: Bernama, Free Malaysia Today
