Barisan Nasional (BN) believes its current cooperation with Perikatan Nasional (PN) ahead of the Negri Sembilan state election has been easier to explain to voters compared with its previous partnership with Pakatan Harapan (PH).
BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said voter acceptance towards the cooperation had been positive throughout the campaign period, with party machinery also operating smoothly.
He said the response from voters this time was much better compared with previous elections, and BN hoped the support would translate into votes on polling day on August 1.
“Overall, we have not faced many questions. Our machinery is also running well, with party workers carrying out their responsibilities in an organised manner and engaging with as many voters as possible,” he said.
Mohamad said this when met by reporters during the Closed Penalty Shootout Friendly Session organised by Rantau Youth at Padang Perumahan Prima, Bandar Ekar, on Sunday.
He said the tactical understanding between BN and PN would make it easier for Malay voters to make their choice, as there would no longer be clashes between Malay-based parties as seen in previous elections.
According to Mohamad, the cooperation could also prevent vote splitting, which he claimed had previously benefited other parties.
He said BN previously faced greater challenges in explaining its political direction to voters, but the current arrangement had helped simplify the message during the state election campaign.
The Rantau candidate added that the BN-PN understanding had provided some advantages in facing the election, particularly by avoiding competition among Malay parties.
Meanwhile, Mohamad dismissed claims that the cooperation had caused concern among non-Malay voters, saying such allegations were merely attempts to create fear.
He pointed out that UMNO-BN remained the largest component within the cooperation, contesting 25 seats, while PAS would contest five seats and the remaining seats would involve other parties, including non-Malay component parties.
Mohamad said there was no reason for non-Malay voters to feel worried, adding that claims suggesting the cooperation was meant to threaten certain communities were only political propaganda.
He also noted that PAS had stated its intention was to ensure PH’s defeat in Negri Sembilan and not to seek the position of Menteri Besar.
On PN’s manifesto, Mohamad welcomed any additional proposals that could improve existing plans, as long as they benefited the people.
He said not every issue could be fully covered in a manifesto and any suggestions that added value to the commitments would be considered positively.
