Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially launched Pakatan Harapan’s Negeri Sembilan election machinery at Karisma Arena in Seremban on Saturday, throwing his full support behind incumbent Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun to lead the state once again.
Speaking at the launch, Anwar urged Negeri Sembilan voters to return Pakatan Harapan to power in the upcoming state election, highlighting the coalition’s track record in administering the state since 2018. He described Aminuddin as a capable and experienced leader who has delivered development and stability to Negeri Sembilan.
"I fully back Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun to continue as Menteri Besar. He has shown strong leadership and commitment to the people of Negeri Sembilan. Under Pakatan Harapan, the state has progressed significantly, and we want to continue that momentum for the benefit of all residents," Anwar said in his address to party supporters.
The launch event was attended by top PH leaders including DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, signalling strong coalition unity ahead of the polls. The Negeri Sembilan state election, set for August 1 following the dissolution of the state assembly, will see PH defending its position against challenges from both Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional.
Anwar’s appearance came amid a complex political landscape in Negeri Sembilan. The Election Commission had earlier decided to hold the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state polls on separate dates, a move criticised by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. However, PH leaders have maintained that they are prepared to contest independently and on their own merits.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, recently stated that PH would go it alone in Negeri Sembilan, ruling out an electoral pact with BN for the state polls. This sets the stage for a multi-cornered contest pitting PH against both BN and PN across the state’s 36 assembly seats.
The Negeri Sembilan election is part of a series of state polls expected this year, alongside Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu. Together, these elections represent a significant electoral test for both the federal unity government and the opposition Perikatan Nasional coalition ahead of the next general election.
Political analysts note that Negeri Sembilan is considered a stronghold for PH, particularly given DAP’s dominance in urban seats and PKR’s presence in mixed urban-rural constituencies. However, BN’s Umno retains influence in several rural Malay-majority seats, making the contest competitive.
Aminuddin Harun has served as Menteri Besar since 2018 and is regarded as a steady hand who has maintained good relations with both federal and state stakeholders. PH leaders expressed confidence that the coalition’s governance record in the state would secure another term.
"We have delivered for the people of Negeri Sembilan. Our development plans, social programmes, and economic initiatives speak for themselves. We ask the voters to judge us by our track record," Aminuddin said at the event.
Sources: Malay Mail, Bernama, Free Malaysia Today
