Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias has defended Barisan Nasional’s (BN) cooperation with Perikatan Nasional (PN), particularly PAS, saying concerns that the alliance would undermine the position of non-Malays are unfounded.
Jalaluddin said non-Malay communities had not been marginalised in PAS-led states such as Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah.
He described such concerns as an old narrative aimed at creating fear among non-Malay communities, adding that the BN-PN cooperation was not built on issues that could divide the people.
BN to lead state government if coalition wins
Jalaluddin, who is defending the Pertang state seat, said non-Malays should not be concerned if BN-PN succeeds in forming the next Negeri Sembilan government because BN would remain the dominant coalition partner.
He noted that BN is contesting 25 state seats, while PN is fielding candidates in the remaining 11 seats.
“If BN-PN succeeds in forming the Negeri Sembilan government, it will be led by BN,” he said.
He added that BN would remain the dominant party in the administration and that the BN-PN combination would provide welfare and attention to all communities.
Jalaluddin also said the cooperation between BN and PN in Negeri Sembilan was founded on political understanding and sincerity between both parties.
According to him, the understanding is not limited to Negeri Sembilan and could be expanded to a higher level if it receives public support and acceptance.
No plans to work with PH again
Jalaluddin said BN has no plans to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH) again to form the Negeri Sembilan government after the state election.
He expressed confidence that BN and PN would be able to form the next state government without PH.
Responding to Negeri Sembilan PH chairman Aminuddin Harun’s claim that Umno had forgotten PH’s role after withdrawing support for him, Jalaluddin said BN had been the biggest contributor to the formation of the state government following the 2023 state election.
He pointed out that BN won 14 seats in 2023, compared with DAP’s 11 seats and PKR’s five, while PN secured five seats.
“Who gave the biggest contribution to PH in forming the government in 2023, if not Umno and BN?
“BN helped PH form the state government. That is a fact that cannot be denied,” he said, adding that political parties must take current developments into account and act in the best interests of the people.
BN-PN aims for two-thirds majority
Jalaluddin said BN-PN is targeting a two-thirds majority in the Negeri Sembilan election, citing encouraging feedback from traditional supporters, young voters, as well as the Chinese and Indian communities.
He said support for the coalition was becoming increasingly visible and expressed confidence that the momentum could be maintained until polling day.
According to Jalaluddin, achieving a two-thirds majority remains the coalition’s goal if current support continues.
