The Negeri Sembilan state election will serve as an important test of whether Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) can successfully cooperate through an electoral understanding without forming a formal political coalition, according to Sabah Umno veteran Salleh Said Keruak.
Salleh said the arrangement is aimed at avoiding unnecessary three- or multi-cornered contests, reducing vote splitting and allowing the stronger coalition in each constituency to field the candidate.
“This approach gives BN and PN flexibility. Both can maintain their own identities, leadership and policies while cooperating where their electoral interests overlap,” he said.
Voter transferability remains biggest challenge
Salleh said cooperation with PN could help BN consolidate Malay support, particularly in constituencies where both coalitions traditionally compete for the same pool of voters.
However, he cautioned that the biggest uncertainty in such an arrangement was whether supporters would follow the decisions made by party leaders.
“Success will depend on reducing vote splitting while ensuring that each party retains the confidence of its core supporters,” he said.
Poll to measure cooperation
In the Negeri Sembilan election, BN is contesting 25 of the 36 state seats, while PN is contesting the remaining 11 under the electoral understanding between the two coalitions.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) is contesting all 36 seats independently.
At the federal level, BN and PH remain partners in the unity government, while PN sits in the opposition.
