Five 'hot' seats to be focus in Negeri Sembilan election

Five state assembly seats in Negeri Sembilan are poised for fierce electoral battles, according to reports, highlighting key contests that could shape the state's political landscape.

The Linggi constituency is particularly noteworthy, with Pakatan Harapan (PH) Negeri Sembilan Chairman Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, who also serves as Menteri Besar, facing challenges from Datuk Mohd. Faizal Ramli of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Datuk Zamri Md. Yunus from Bersatu. Observers suggest Aminuddin is taking a significant risk by competing in Linggi, historically a BN stronghold, despite also being the Member of Parliament for Port Dickson. In the 2023 state election, Mohd. Faizal won Linggi with a majority of 1,461 votes against Zamri.

Another closely watched seat is Sikamat, which Aminuddin held since 2008 before moving to Linggi. His political secretary, Nor Azman Mohamad, will defend the seat for PH against Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, Information Chief of Bersatu, and Datuk Razali Abu Samah from Perikatan Nasional (PN).

The neighboring Ampangan constituency also anticipates a tight race, following a narrow victory margin of only 329 votes in the previous election. PH is fielding a new candidate, Datuk Nazri Kassim, Deputy Chairman of the Negeri Sembilan State Leadership Council, who will compete against Datuk Dr. Mohamad Rafie Ab. Malek from PN, a former state assemblyman, and Noor’azah Harun from Bersatu.

Paroi, which has the largest number of voters, is also expected to be a tough contest. The incumbent from PN, Kamarol Ridzuan Mohd Zin, will face Ahmad Shahir Mohd. Shah, press secretary to the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar and National Amanah Youth Secretary, and Mohd. Nazree Mohd. Yunus, Head of Bersatu Negeri Sembilan Information.

Lastly, the DUN Labu seat is not to be overlooked. The incumbent, Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker, Head of Bersatu Negeri Sembilan Leadership Body, will be challenged by PH candidate and Labu Coordinator Datuk Ahmad Faez Abdul Razak, as well as BN candidate Siti Umaira Hasim.