N Sembilan polls: Bersatu to contest under own flag, avoids BN, Harapan strongholds

Bersatu today announced that it will be going solo under its own party logo for the Negeri Sembilan election, fielding candidates, including two Urimai representatives, in 24 seats.

Its president Muhyiddin Yassin said contesting under the party's own logo reflects Bersatu's political maturity and recognition as one of Malaysia's most influential political parties.

“Using our own logo means Bersatu has reached a level of maturity. It is also recognised as among the most influential parties in Malaysia, with 700,000 members, 400 branches nationwide, and 186 divisions.

“Bersatu was established on shared principles and objectives centred on integrity, dignity, fairness, and equity in championing issues of importance to the people, regardless of religion or race.

“That is why we have taken the stance to contest with Bersatu’s logo. Some people say that going solo is risky…so what? Contesting under Perikatan Nasional’s logo carries risks too.

“So, we made the right decision to contest under our own logo," he said while announcing Bersatu's list of candidates in Nilai today.

Bersatu’s decision to only contest 24 out of 36 seats in the state appears to avoid key BN and Pakatan Harapan strongholds in Chennah, Bahau, Lobak, Pilah, Johol, Bukit Kepayang, Chembong, Rantau, Chuah, Lukut, Gemencheh and Repah.

Friction with PAS

Previously, PAS officially announced its decision to terminate its political cooperation with Bersatu with immediate effect, forcing Bersatu to contest under its own flag.

Among notable candidates are former Special Affairs Department (Jasa) director Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, who will be contesting in Sikamat against Parti Wawasan Negara candidate Razali Abu Samah.

Faisal is the Bersatu information chief and has extensive political experience with Umno.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Paralympic Council president and Mara Corporation board member Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin will be vying for the Seri Menanti seat.

Negeri Sembilan Bersatu chief Hanifah Abu Baker, on the other hand, will be defending his seat in Labu.

Unavoidable clashes

Bersatu’s solo stint has caused an unavoidable head-to-head clash with its coalition partner in several constituencies.

According to the candidate lists announced so far, both parties are set to face off in at least eight state seats that are considered key battlegrounds in this state election.

READ MORE: Goodbye PN?: Muhyiddin raps Samsuri over BN talks, Bersatu to move on

In Klawang, Adib Musa (Bersatu) will be up against Danni Rais (Wawasan Negara), while in Serting, Noraffendy Salleh (Bersatu) will face Fairuz Isa (PAS).

In Ampangan, Noor'azah Harun (Bersatu) will face off against incumbent assemblyperson Rafie Ab Malek (PAS) for the seat.

In addition, four other constituencies that will witness the head-to-head contest include Mambau, featuring Sarawanan Nagayah (Urimai) against Erik Michael (Wawasan Negara); and Paroi, where Nazree Yunus (Bersatu) will face Kamarol Ridzuan Zain (PAS).

Bagan Pinang will see Sheikh Junaidy Jamaludin (Bersatu) challenging Abdul Fatah Zakaria (PAS), while Gemas will witness Fadhil Daud (Bersatu) against Ridzuan Ahmad (Wawasan Negara), the latter being the incumbent who had represented Bersatu in the previous state election.

This means Bersatu will contest in all four seats contested by its splinter party Wawasan Negara, led by former Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin.

The Election Committee previously announced that nomination day for the Negeri Sembilan state election will be held tomorrow, while early polling will be held on July 28, and voting day will be on Aug 1.

This round of state polls will witness 864,425 registered voters in Negeri Sembilan casting their ballots to elect new representatives for the state’s 36 constituencies.

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