Negeri Sembilan Bersatu will contest the upcoming state election under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) banner despite PAS's recent decision to sever political ties with Bersatu, the party's state chief has said, setting the stage for a contest that could test the coalition's cohesion at the ballot box.
State Bersatu chief Hanifah Abu Baker was quoted by Utusan Malaysia as saying the party's performance in the 2023 state election, where PN won five seats -- three for PAS and two for Bersatu -- gave the coalition a mandate that should not be disregarded as parties prepare for the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election.
"With those victories, voters placed their trust in PN as their representatives in the state assembly," Hanifah said. "Their support should be taken into account as PN prepares for the state election."
Hanifah said PAS's move to cut political ties with Bersatu had caused confusion among voters, given that PAS remains a component party of the PN coalition. He warned that the uncertainty could undermine confidence among voters who view the coalition as a viable governing alternative.
"There are clear signs that the coalition is gaining support from all levels of society, and this trust should not be wasted," he said.
Hanifah expressed hope that issues arising from the split could be resolved through dialogue, describing this as one of the coalition's strengths.
However, Negeri Sembilan PAS commissioner Fairuz Isa struck a more cautious tone, saying no decision had been made on whether PAS would contest the state election using the PN logo. The uncertainty raises the prospect of PAS and Bersatu candidates appearing on the same ballot under different banners, which could split the opposition vote in key constituencies.
"Matters concerning the state election and the logo will be discussed by PAS's top leadership," Fairuz said. "Negeri Sembilan PAS will abide by whatever decision the central leadership makes."
The Negeri Sembilan legislative assembly was dissolved on June 5, triggering a state election that must be held within 60 days. The contest is expected to feature a three-way battle between Barisan Nasional, which has confirmed it will contest solo, PN, and Pakatan Harapan.
At the 2023 Negeri Sembilan election, PH and BN -- then allies in the unity government -- dominated the 36-seat assembly, winning 31 seats combined, while PN secured five seats in its debut outing in the state. The upcoming election will be the first test of whether PN can build on that foothold amid the fallout from the PAS-Bersatu political split.
Sources: Free Malaysia Today, Utusan Malaysia
