Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN) could contest the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election under a new banner, with Parti Wawasan Negara (WAWASAN) president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin proposing the name Perikatan Barisan Nasional (PBN).
Hamzah said the proposed name is intended to make the alliance easier for voters to recognise and avoid confusion over the PN-BN partnership. He noted that some people may find it difficult to refer to the coalition by both names, making “PBN” a simpler and more memorable option.
Speaking to reporters after the BN-PN candidate introduction programme for the Tampin parliamentary constituency on Tuesday night, Hamzah stressed that the coalition’s unity was far more important than the name itself.
“We want a name that people can easily understand. In Negeri Sembilan, we are starting with Perikatan Barisan Nasional (PBN). Many people find it difficult to say PN-BN, so PBN is simpler. But what matters most is our shared commitment to shaping the future of Negeri Sembilan,” he said.
Hamzah added that the alliance could adopt any name, provided all parties remain united in their efforts to form the next state government. He described the coalition as representing a “blue wave” that would challenge the “red wave” associated with Pakatan Harapan (PH).
“If the blue wave becomes the choice of the majority, God willing, we will take over the Negeri Sembilan government,” he said.
The WAWASAN president also revealed that PN had agreed from the outset that BN should lead both the coalition and the state government should the alliance secure a mandate from voters.
“There has never been any issue. From the beginning, PN agreed that BN would take the lead alongside us in Negeri Sembilan. As long as we can work together, there is no problem,” he said.
Hamzah explained that meetings between leaders of the coalition were held early to resolve any disappointment, disagreements or lingering issues from the past before the campaign intensified.
He said clearing up those matters now would allow the entire election machinery to focus on campaigning, engaging voters and presenting the coalition’s plans for the future of Negeri Sembilan.
According to Hamzah, replacing the current PH-led state government with a new PBN administration would give voters greater confidence in the democratic process by demonstrating that political change can be achieved through the ballot box.
However, he clarified that the proposed “PBN” name remains a new idea and will be discussed further with leaders from the parties involved before any final decision is made.
