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🇸🇬 Singapore /Elections & Politics

Malaysia's Negeri Sembilan election: BN-PN alliance claims victory, unseating PM Anwar's coalition

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Barisan Nasional (BN) and its ally Perikatan Nasional (PN) claimed victory in the Negeri Sembilan state election, winning 25 out of 36 seats.
  • This outcome signifies a loss for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan (PH), which previously held the state for two terms and suffered further setbacks in recent state elections.
  • The BN-PN alliance's success, particularly the narrow defeat of Transport Minister Anthony Loke, suggests momentum for their cooperation ahead of the next general election.

The alliance of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) has claimed victory in Malaysia's Negeri Sembilan state election, securing 25 of the 36 available seats. This result marks a significant loss for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, which had held the central state for two terms. The victory follows recent electoral setbacks for PH in Johor and Sabah.

So far, Barisan Nasional (BN) has secured 18 seats, while Perikatan Nasional has won seven. With this result, the BN-PN alliance has obtained a two-thirds majority.

— Ahmad Zahid HamidiBN president announcing the alliance's victory at a press conference.

Unofficial results indicate PH won 11 seats, a decrease from their previous performance, while PN secured seven. BN president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the alliance's success, stating they had obtained a two-thirds majority and expressed intentions to extend this cooperation to the upcoming Melaka state election. This informal electoral pact, which saw PN support BN after previously backing them in Johor, positions the BN-PN Malay-Muslim alliance for potential broader cooperation in future general elections.

We will hold further discussions on the election outcome and the next course of action. God willing, this cooperation will also extend to the state of Melaka.

— Ahmad Zahid HamidiBN president discussing future plans and potential collaboration with PN.

A notable defeat was that of Transport Minister Anthony Loke, secretary-general of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) within PH. Loke lost his Chennah seat, which he had held for three terms, by a narrow margin to BN newcomer John Siow. Loke indicated he is considering stepping down as DAP's Negeri Sembilan chief following the loss. Another PH figure, Negeri Sembilan caretaker Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun, also failed to win in the UMNO stronghold of Linggi.

If I can’t defend my seat, of course my consideration is to relinquish my state chairman position. But I will consult with other DAP leaders before I make the decision. As far as my role as secretary general, I will discuss with the Central Executive Committee on what’s our way forward.

— Anthony LokeTransport Minister Anthony Loke speaking to reporters after conceding defeat in his Chennah seat.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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