UMNO Youth has expressed openness to the possibility of political cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in future elections following the outcome of the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election.
Its chief, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, said such cooperation should not be ruled out, stressing that politics is constantly evolving and decisions must ultimately prioritise the people and national stability.
“In politics, nothing is impossible. What matters most is making the best decision for the people and ensuring political stability,” he said after officiating the UMNO Pasir Salak Division Delegates’ Meeting at Dewan Besar Bandar Baru Felcra Seberang Perak on Sunday.
Also present at the event was UMNO Pasir Salak division chief Datuk Khairul Azwan Harun.
Muhamad Akmal said the Negeri Sembilan election result demonstrated how effective political cooperation and well-planned seat negotiations could contribute to electoral success.
He explained that discussions on seat allocations were carried out at the division, state and national levels before a final decision was reached, allowing grassroots views to be considered without affecting the party’s overall strategy.
Initially, BN had intended to contest all 36 state seats but later decided to field candidates in only 25 constituencies after weighing various factors. The decision ultimately enabled the coalition to form the state government with a two-thirds majority.
The Election Commission (EC) announced that BN secured 18 seats in the Negeri Sembilan election, while Pakatan Harapan (PH) won 11 seats and PN claimed seven.
Muhamad Akmal described the victory as a significant comeback after BN and UMNO had spent two terms outside the Negeri Sembilan state government.
He also said the election outcome rejected negative perceptions surrounding UMNO, including allegations that the party relied on racial and religious sentiments.
“The people’s decision must always be respected. Just as UMNO respected the outcome when it lost, we must also respect the mandate when the people choose to support us,” he said.
He added that the victory would serve as a catalyst to further strengthen the party at the state level before focusing on broader national political ambitions.
