Negeri Sembilan caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun may contest the Linggi state seat instead of his long-held Sikamat constituency in the upcoming state election, according to speculation reported by Sinar Harian.
The Malay-language daily reported that widespread talk had emerged following claims that the Negeri Sembilan Pakatan Harapan chairman was considering contesting a new constituency. The speculation has also spread among political circles on social media, with some observers suggesting there may be strategic grounds for the move, given that Aminuddin currently serves as the Port Dickson member of parliament and Port Dickson PKR chief.
When approached after the launch of the Negeri Sembilan Pakatan Harapan election machinery on Friday, June 12, Aminuddin confirmed he would contest in the state polls but declined to reveal which seat he would be defending. He also did not confirm whether he would retain Sikamat, which he has held since 2008.
"I'm still waiting for a dream (a decision on which seat), but I will contest. I'll inform you of the seat later," he said in a lighthearted response to questions from the media.
Aminuddin has represented Sikamat for nearly two decades. In the 2023 state election, he defended the seat with a majority of 2,662 votes, securing 12,730 votes against a Perikatan Nasional candidate and two Independent candidates.
By contrast, the Linggi state seat was won by Barisan Nasional's Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli in the 2023 election with a majority of 1,461 votes. Mohd Faizal obtained 7,832 votes, while PN-Bersatu challenger Zamri Md Said polled 6,371 votes.
If Aminuddin opts to contest Linggi, it would mean taking on a seat currently held by BN, potentially reshaping the electoral dynamics in that constituency. Linggi falls within the Port Dickson parliamentary constituency, which Aminuddin represents at the federal level. Strategists within PKR have noted that this geographic overlap could strengthen his campaign, as he already maintains an active service centre and grassroots network in the area.
Political analysts have said the move could be part of a broader PKR strategy to strengthen its position in Negeri Sembilan by having senior leaders contest winnable seats amid a fragmented opposition. The switch could also allow PKR to field a younger candidate in Sikamat while Aminuddin focuses on a more competitive constituency.
For now, whether Aminuddin will continue to defend his stronghold in Sikamat or choose to contest in Linggi remains an open question, with the answer expected closer to nomination day on July 18.
Sources: The Star, Sinar Harian, Bernama
