SEREMBAN: Barisan Nasional’s decisive victory in Johor will boost the coalition’s morale and increase momentum in Negri Sembilan, which goes to the polls on Aug 1, says Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias.
The state Umno chief said voters had given Barisan a solid mandate because they trusted the coalition’s proven track record of governance.
ALSO READ: Analysts: Johor sweep no guarantee of domino effect
“Voters can now gauge if the Barisan, Pakatan Harapan or unity government model is the best for them.
“The voters in Johor have made their choice and I believe this will also happen in Negri Sembilan,” he said.
Before the Negri Sembilan state assembly was dissolved, Pakatan held 17 seats, followed by Barisan (14) and Perikatan (five).
Pakatan and Barisan contested the last state election, held in Aug 2023, under the unity government banner.
Jalaluddin said to ensure Umno does well in the coming Negri Sembilan polls, the party would field a mix of new and old faces, including experienced leaders.
State DAP chief Anthony Loke dismissed the comparison, stating that the political dynamics of the two states were entirely different.
“Although Barisan will hope to continue with the momentum, we must remember that Pakatan held the Mentri Besar post and governed Negri Sembilan with 17 seats before the dissolution.
“I do not want to sound overconfident or suggest there will be no impact at all but as the incumbent state government, we have our strengths to defend our seats.
“We will also have to work harder to secure at least three more seats to form the state government as the dynamics will change and so will the circumstances,” he said.
State Perikatan Nasional deputy chairman Gary Lee said Barisan did well in Johor as it was Umno’s birthplace and political stronghold.
“That will, however, not guarantee a big win in Negri Sembilan.
“Although Perikatan is considered a new kid on the block, we are not going to sit on our laurels and allow them an easy victory,” he said.
Lee said voters would pick a government that could protect their rice bowls and ensure the economy remained resilient.
“Most people, from businessmen to the B40, are suffering.
“Voters would pick leaders who can make sure the people are able to put food on the table and a coalition with a proper development agenda for the next five years,” he said.
State MCA chief Datuk Leaw Kok Chan concurred with Jalaluddin, adding that voters in Johor gave Barisan a solid win as they were confident the state government would be able to look after the people’s well-being.
“Bread and butter issues are the top priority for most people and Barisan has an impressive record in resolving them.
“Barisan’s big win in Johor will surely have a positive impact and lead to the coalition forming the next state government on its own,” he said.
State PAS commissioner Mohd Fairuz Mohd Isa said Barisan could do well in the Negri Sembilan state polls if both sides were able to forge a cooperation.
“I can’t say much now as talks are ongoing. But if there is some form of cooperation, Barisan will also do well in Negri,” he said.
In the last state election, PAS won the Serting, Bagan Pinang and Paroi seats.
Before the Johor polls, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said the party was prepared to help Barisan form the Johor government if the coalition did not secure a simple majority.
He said PAS would support and strengthen the state administration to preserve Malay-Muslim political leadership in Johor.
