Negeri Sembilan polls: Can BN-PN pact to target Malay vote defeat PM Anwar’s coalition?

In Negeri Sembilan, a significant political realignment is underway as United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) members, like 65-year-old Mohd Wan Riduan, have embraced the new electoral pact between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN). Mohd Wan, a staunch UMNO supporter, now proudly wears his BN vest and cap, a stark contrast to his previous discomfort defending BN's alliance with the traditional rival Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the 2023 state election. He believes the BN-PN partnership offers better unity among Malay parties.

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I think BN going with PN is a much better fit compared to PH. There is unity among the Malay parties.

This shift is particularly notable given the past political landscape. Mohd Wan recalls being derided as 'UMDAP' – a blend of UMNO and the Democratic Action Party (DAP), a key component of PH – during the previous election. He expresses relief that UMNO has now aligned with PN, allowing him and fellow party members to support the coalition without reservation. This sentiment reflects a broader mood change that political analysts believe could pose a serious challenge to PH in the upcoming state polls.

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When BN was with PH, I was teased and labelled 'UMDAP' until it rang in my ears.

Political observers note that PH's victory in the 2023 Negeri Sembilan election heavily relied on votes from BN supporters. However, the current political alignment has completely changed, with BN and PN joining forces. This new coalition is seen as potentially strong enough to secure victory. While PH and BN remain partners in the federal unity government formed after the 2022 general election's hung parliament, their state-level dynamic has fractured, leading to direct competition, a friction first observed in the recent Johor polls where BN achieved a significant sweep.

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People were really angry, and even within my family, there were so many disagreements over this. I am relieved they have now chosen to go with PN. Today, I can wear my vest and cap proudly.

In Negeri Sembilan, BN has formed a strategic pact with component parties of PN. This alliance is specifically targeting the Malay vote, aiming to counter Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s coalition. The impact of this united front is expected to be substantial in the state elections scheduled for August 1, potentially altering the political balance in a state where PH previously held a narrow advantage, winning 17 out of 36 seats compared to BN's 14 and PN's five in the last election.

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The political alignment has completely changed with BN and PN joining forces. This alignment looks like it is enough to ensure their victory.