SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan polls are a test of compatibility between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional, and if successful, the two coalitions may consider a fresh electoral pact for Melaka, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“Let us see first what happens in Negri Sembilan, and after that we will also see what happens in Melaka.
“Let us witness success on Aug 1,” said the Barisan chairman after visiting Kampung Tohor in Chennah.
In the Negri Sembilan election, the two coalitions are cooperating strategically in selected seats to avoid multi-cornered contests that could split votes, ensuring a stable and capable state government.
Barisan and Perikatan, without Bersatu, have agreed not to clash in any of the 36 seats.
Melaka’s current state assembly term ends in December, with the next state election required to be held by February 2027 at the latest.
Asked about reports of dissatisfaction among campaign workers, Ahmad Zahid said building compatibility takes time and several sticking points remain, though these will be resolved before polling day.
He said one of Barisan’s commitments to the state is that it would push to create 50,000 jobs over five years, noting that the state’s growth of about 4.6% trailed the national 5.2% while Johor ran at 8%.
Responding to DAP’s Hannah Yeoh, who had likened the Barisan-Perikatan pairing to the Titanic, Ahmad Zahid said it will be determined on Aug 1 polling day.
“Let us see who sinks and who surfaces on Aug 1.
“The blue wave that swept Johor on July 11 will also reach Negri Sembilan,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, maintained there is no problem between him and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said he and the Prime Minister had sat down together only three days ago.
“I do not see any problem. On Wednesday, we attended the Cabinet meeting.
“The relationship is very, very cordial,” he said.
Ministers from both coalitions were professionals and could differentiate a national issue from a political one, he said.
“Our priority is handling national issues, and we are handling these well. There is no difference of views at all, let alone on the implementation of policies,” he said when asked about the pantun which he recited recently.
Ahmad Zahid said he was simply replying to a verse the Prime Minister “sold” him in the Malay fashion of trading pantun.
The exchange began on Wednesday when Anwar shared a poem about preserving friendship through diverging political steps.
Ahmad Zahid countered with his own poetic point: a damaged roof can be secured, but a full-blown storm will sweep it away.
