KUALA LUMPUR — Pakatan Harapan (PH) is prepared to face any political strategy from its rivals, including a possible cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN), ahead of the Negeri Sembilan state election.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said PH would not be distracted by political manoeuvres from its opponents, citing past developments such as the Johor state election, and would instead concentrate on strengthening its election machinery, Bernama reported.
He said PH’s immediate priority was to ensure unity among its component parties as the coalition prepares to defend and contest seats in the state.
“We have already anticipated this (the BN-PN strategy), and it is clear. That is their choice. PH will focus on our own strengths to win the seats we are contesting.
“What is important is the strength and unity among PH’s component parties in facing the election. Whatever the challenges and competition, ultimately it is up to the people to decide,” he told reporters after officiating the 2026 Kampung Angkat MADANI (MADANI Adopted Village), Sekolah Angkat MADANI (MADANI Adopted School) and Santuni MADANI programmes organised by the Transport Ministry in Kampung Mantin Dalam, near here, today.
Loke was responding to questions on the cooperation between BN and PAS over seat allocation strategies and constituency negotiations ahead of the Negeri Sembilan polls.
On expectations of a closely fought contest, including claims that Chinese voter support could shift towards opposition parties such as MCA, Loke said the final decision rested with voters.
“We (PH) will also put up a strong fight. I don’t think there is any need to comment too much because, before an election, every party can claim it has public support. What matters is the outcome on polling day,” he said.
Loke, who is the incumbent Chennah assemblyman, said the performance of the Negeri Sembilan government under Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun since 2018 would be PH’s key strength in seeking continued public confidence.
Meanwhile, on the political deadlock in Melaka following Melaka DAP’s decision to withdraw from the state administration over the appointment of nominated assembly members, Loke said the matter had been resolved.
“We stated our position yesterday and respect the decision made by Melaka DAP.
“The state government has also rearranged the seating in the State Legislative Assembly, so the matter is now settled and final,” he said.
Commenting on the MADANI Adopted Village initiative, Loke, who is also Transport Minister, rejected claims that the programme was a seasonal effort aimed at gaining support ahead of the election.
He said the initiative had been carried out continuously by ministries since 2025 to ensure rural infrastructure and basic facilities were improved for local communities.
Kampung Baru Mantin was selected under the MADANI Adopted Village initiative, while Kampung Mantin Dalam was chosen under the Santuni MADANI programme. Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Chung Hua Mantin was also selected as a MADANI Adopted School. — July 16, 2026