BN claims significant role in Negeri Sembilan's revenue growth, eyes new alliance

Barisan Nasional (BN) asserts it has played a crucial role in Negeri Sembilan's revenue growth since 2023, challenging the notion that the increase is solely due to Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, chairman of the UMNO Negeri Sembilan liaison body, stated that BN's 14 seats are vital for the state government's political stability and administration. He argued that this stability has attracted investments, directly contributing to the state's enhanced revenue. Jalaluddin highlighted his personal efforts in attracting investors and boosting state income.

He dismissed claims that BN's interest in the state's increased revenue stems from a desire to take over the administration. "If we are tempted by the state's rising revenue, we ourselves have experience governing the country and states. We have never used state revenue as a factor to take over a government. That accusation is very far off," he said.

Furthermore, Jalaluddin revealed UMNO's reluctance to collaborate with PH, citing PH's failure to manage cultural issues that have caused controversy in the state. He indicated that BN is exploring new alliances, particularly with Perikatan Nasional (PN), which he believes can form the state government after the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election. "Negeri Sembilan is the catalyst for this consensus. I will not cooperate with PH again, because there is a new alignment," he stated, adding that discussions are focused on unity rather than ministerial positions.

Meanwhile, PN Chairman Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar suggested that PH should not repeatedly accuse Pas of attacking DAP during the Negeri Sembilan election campaign. He claimed that the controversies were self-inflicted by PH, stating, "What happened is 'self-destruction.' They created problems for themselves. So why are we labeled as dwelling on (DAP issues)? The problems were created by themselves. They need to reflect on themselves."