PUTRAJAYA: Barisan Nasional is ready for an election in Negri Sembilan and is open to continuing its cooperation with Pakatan Harapan to retain the unity government in the state, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
However, the Barisan chairman said it is still too early to hold formal discussions on any electoral cooperation between the two coalitions.
“We remain open to continuing the unity government in the state,” he said after visiting the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day 2026 exhibition site.
Ahmad Zahid’s remarks came a day after Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun announced the dissolution of the state assembly to pave the way for the 16th state election.
Following the 2023 state polls, Pakatan and Barisan formed the Negri Sembilan government, both taking up a combined 31 of the 36 seats contested.
On another matter, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president dismissed suggestions of reviving Muafakat Nasional 2.0, saying there have been no discussions on the matter between his party and PAS.
“There have been no discussions on that,” he said, Bernama reported.
He said Umno and Barisan Nasional’s priority remains ensuring political stability through the unity government formed with Pakatan and parties from Sabah and Sarawak.
“The most important thing is to ensure that the current government remains intact until the end of the 15th Parliament’s term,” he said.
On Thursday, PAS youth wing had proposed that Umno revive political cooperation through Muafakat Nasional ahead of the upcoming Johor state election.
Ahmad Zahid also said that a political meeting involving Umno and PAS leaders held on Thursday night did not involve the presidents of either party.
The meeting focused on political collaboration and national issues.
With politics being dynamic, Barisan remains open to political discussions and deliberations on national matters in the interest of preserving the country’s stability, he added.
