Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob believes Barisan Nasional’s (BN) decision to announce 25 of its 36 candidates for the Negeri Sembilan state election is a positive indication of growing cooperation with Perikatan Nasional (PN).
He said the move reflects the spirit of the Rumah Bangsa initiative introduced by UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, adding that the approach appears to be gaining wider acceptance, including among PN leaders.
According to Ismail Sabri, stronger ties between BN and PN could bring long-term political benefits and improve the coalition’s prospects not only in Negeri Sembilan but also in future elections nationwide.
“I view yesterday’s announcement as a positive development in the relationship between BN and PN, in line with the Rumah Bangsa concept introduced by the UMNO president. It shows that the idea is increasingly being accepted.
“If this relationship continues, I believe it will benefit both sides in the future and strengthen their chances of success in Negeri Sembilan as well as across the country,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters during the 2nd World Public Relations Day (WPRD) 2026 celebration held at Taylor’s University on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Ahmad Zahid said BN’s cooperation with its election partner for the Negeri Sembilan state polls was expected to be announced today.
The BN chairman explained that only 25 out of the 36 state seats had been announced, while the remaining 11 seats would be determined following discussions with its prospective partner.
However, he did not disclose the identity of the party involved in the negotiations.
Meanwhile, BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the party was holding back the remaining candidate announcements while awaiting the outcome of ongoing seat negotiations with its political ally.
Ahmad Zahid also said the coalition’s choice of “poster boy” for the election would be announced at a later date.
