Negeri Sembilan Polls: BN not reliant on traditional seats

Barisan Nasional (BN) in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, is signaling a willingness to re-evaluate traditional seat allocations for the upcoming 16th state election. Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, the Deputy Chairman of BN Negeri Sembilan, stated that the coalition will not rule out the possibility of exchanging seats among component parties to enhance their prospects of victory.

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If it has deteriorated further, why should we give it to the same party to contest in the same place? It could be we do a 'swap', it could be we can exchange seats. But we try to make as many changes as possible for all our friends in the BN component, Insya-Allah.

Hasan explained that the party can no longer solely rely on tradition for seat distribution, as the composition of voters in many areas has shifted significantly. He indicated that past election results would serve as a guide to assess each party's strength before finalizing any decisions. "If it has deteriorated further, why should we give it to the same party to contest in the same place?" he questioned, suggesting that "swap" or exchange of seats is a viable option.

The Deputy President of UMNO emphasized that clinging to traditional seat divisions might not be suitable for the current political climate. The decision-making process will consider the patterns of voter support shifts based on previous election outcomes. "We must give choices to the voters. Voters' tastes have changed, so we need to follow their wishes, not just rely on the old formula," Hasan added.

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We must give choices to the voters. Voters' tastes have changed, so we need to follow their wishes, not just rely on the old formula.

Furthermore, Mohamad revealed that all UMNO division chiefs have been instructed to submit at least three candidate names for each seat under consideration. These lists must be decided through division committee meetings in accordance with party constitution to ensure a transparent selection process and prevent disputes that could lead to internal sabotage. "There can be no conflict when we face an election. Many seats are lost because of internal sabotage. The opponent may not be strong, but sometimes a candidate whose choice was not nominated will ensure their own party loses. Such behavior cannot happen because ultimately the party is the one that loses," he warned.

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There can be no conflict when we face an election. Many seats are lost because of internal sabotage. The opponent may not be strong, but sometimes a candidate whose choice was not nominated will ensure their own party loses. Such behavior cannot happen because ultimately the party is the one that loses.