PETALING JAYA — Negeri Sembilan Umno has finalised its list of candidates for the coming state election, with the names set to be submitted to party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for approval, state chairman Jalaluddin Alias said.
The candidate lineup includes a mix of experienced members and new faces, including young candidates and women from various educational backgrounds, Jalaluddin told Berita Harian at an event in Jelebu.
"Barisan Nasional will contest all 36 state assembly seats, with seat allocations also involving component parties MCA and MIC. However, the seat distribution will be decided at a meeting in the near future," he was quoted as saying.
The Negeri Sembilan state assembly was dissolved on June 5 to pave the way for the 16th state election, which must be held within 60 days.
Pakatan Harapan has said it would also contest all 36 seats. In the previous state election in August 2023, PH won 17 seats, BN secured 14, while Perikatan Nasional won five.
The dissolution of the Negeri Sembilan assembly is being disputed by the state's four undangs — the traditional district chieftains — who contend that the menteri besar must also obtain their agreement, alongside that of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, to dissolve the assembly.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also PH chairman and PKR president, said earlier that Tuanku Muhriz remained the recognised Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.
The Election Commission has said it will discuss the key dates for the Negeri Sembilan state election at a later date, with priority being given to the Johor state polls. The EC will meet on June 12 to fix dates for Johor.
Sources: Berita Harian, Free Malaysia Today
