KOTA KINABALU: The upcoming state election in Negeri Sembilan may serve as a crucial indicator of whether Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) can coordinate electorally without entering into a formal alliance, according to former Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
He said such coordination would aim to minimise direct competition, prevent the splitting of votes, and enable the party with stronger local support in each seat to lead the contest.
“This kind of arrangement allows both BN and PN to preserve their distinct identities, leadership structures, and policy platforms while collaborating selectively in areas of shared electoral interest.
“By working together, BN and PN could help consolidate Malay voter support, especially in constituencies where their voter bases overlap,” Salleh said in a recent Facebook post
He pointed out that Pakatan Harapan (PH) operates under a different political framework.
“PH’s strength, particularly in urban centres and among non-Malay communities, is closely tied to the DAP’s influence,” he said.
As a result, PH’s performance in Negeri Sembilan will also hinge on DAP’s ability to maintain the loyalty of its core supporters.
Salleh emphasised that a key unknown factor remains voter responsiveness.
“Even if party leaders reach an understanding, there’s no guarantee their supporters will align accordingly. BN, PN, and PH each carry distinct political backgrounds, identities, and expectations from their constituencies,” he explained.
In this context, the Negeri Sembilan election could reveal whether informal political coordination is a viable alternative to formal coalitions.
“In the end, success will depend on minimising vote division while ensuring each party continues to command the trust of its base,” he added.
