Supporters of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) have expressed optimism over the cooperation between the two coalitions in the Negeri Sembilan state election, saying it could help bridge political divisions and encourage cross-support for candidates.
Several grassroots supporters said they accepted the arrangement and would abide by decisions made by their respective party leadership.
PN supporter Mohd Yusof Abdullah said he had no objection to the cooperation and was prepared to follow the leadership’s direction.
“We have no problem. We follow the leadership’s decision. If that’s the instruction, we’ll comply. We were once with BN before, and if we’re together again this time, we’re grateful,” he said.
Supporters expect stronger cross-voting
BN supporter Noorizan Karim believes the cooperation will strengthen grassroots support by encouraging voters from both coalitions to back each other’s candidates.
“PN supporters will vote for BN candidates, while BN supporters will vote for PN candidates. I’m confident vote numbers will increase in the seats we’re contesting,” he said.
PN supporter Jefri Baharom said the atmosphere on the ground had become more positive following the cooperation.
“Everything has gone smoothly with BN and PN cooperating in Negeri Sembilan. Villagers at the grassroots level are also excited, and the atmosphere is very lively.
“This unity is what Umno’s grassroots have hoped for. We hope there’s no more division, and that this cooperation isn’t limited to Negeri Sembilan but expanded nationwide,” he said.
Hopes for lasting political unity
BN supporter Mohd Zuki said mutual support between the two coalitions would strengthen their chances of forming the state government.
“There’s no problem if BN supporters back PN candidates, and PN supporters back BN candidates, because we follow the leadership’s decision. Umno’s grassroots also accept this cooperation for mutual benefit,” he said.
PN supporter Abu Ubaidah shared the same view, describing the cooperation as the right move and expressing hope that it would continue beyond the state election.
“Everything can be discussed amicably. We hope there’s no more division between BN and PN going forward,” he said.
The positive response echoed PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s recent remarks that BN-PN cooperation was “more than a marriage”, with both coalitions campaigning for each other’s candidates ahead of polling day.
Negeri Sembilan will go to the polls on Aug 1. BN is contesting 25 of the state’s 36 seats, while PN is fielding candidates in the remaining 11 seats. Pakatan Harapan is contesting all 36 seats.
