SEREMBAN – Once foes, now friends.
The collaboration between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) as they head into the state elections in Negri Sembilan, and five other states on August 12 is a litmus test of sorts when they join forces to face familiar opponents.
With a week of campaigning done and dusted, and six days more to go, the combined forces of a strong and united PN-BH machinery is exactly what the new-found alliance needs to ensure the mission to establish a Negri Sembilan unity government stays on track.
Negri Sembilan PKR vice-chairman, Chiew Chi Kin, said there may have been a long history of enmity between PH and BN, but that has been put behind and replaced by strong teamwork as political stability is paramount now.
“We are witnessing this cooperation with PH operations rooms being opened at strategic constituencies to help BN candidates, such as in Linggi and Bagan Pinang to secure as many votes as we can for the unity government parties,” he told Bernama.
On the other side, BN has been working hard in its strongholds, especially in rural areas, to ensure its hardcore supporters have a clear understanding of the unity government’s direction and policies.
BN supporter, Sarfarizmal Saad, 36, who is part of the election machinery, said the whole idea of BN and PH entering into the election ring as a team initially felt awkward, but that was quickly set aside to ensure Negri Sembilan did not fall into the opposition’s hands.
PH campaign worker Ashraf Mohd, 38, said BN’s support has given added value to the campaign.
He added that there have been no issues where the joint campaign was concerned, with strong support evident from the BN camp so far.
The Election Commission (EC) set the state elections in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah as well as the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election to be held simultaneously on August 12, with early voting on Tuesday (August 8). – August 6, 2023