SNAPSHOT | BN-PN ties based on friendship, brotherhood - Hadi; Tok Mat says keep adat out of polls campaign

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BN-PAS ties

• PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has described Perikatan Nasional’s rekindled ties with Umno-BN for the Negeri Sembilan polls as being based on “friendship and brotherhood”.

  Speaking to reporters in Jempol at the nominations centre for PN candidate from PAS, Fairuz Mohd Isa (Serting), Hadi responded to critics who likened the ties to a “mixed marriage” of political convenience.

  “This is more than a marriage. This is friendship, brotherhood,” said the Marang MP.

  

  Hadi also reaffirmed that PAS will support Umno-BN on the Negeri Sembilan campaign trail, with a promise that the coalition will make similar appearances for his party’s candidate.

• BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has hinted at a new political chapter for the coalition, while stressing that BN does not practise “backdoor politics”.

  According to MalaysiaGazette, the Umno president said BN is now focused on building a stronger future through a clear and orderly mandate.

  

  “We are not entering through the back door; we are opening a new roof for 2026. We want to return the state government to BN and develop the state again,” he said, reportedly drawing loud chants of “Long live BN” from supporters in Rembau.

  He said this in a speech to BN machinery supporting three candidates under the Rembau Parliament, including Rantau incumbent, Umno Negeri Sembilan chief Mohamad Hasan.

  Umno, with BN now campaigning alongside PAS and PN, was reportedly accused of engaging in backdoor politics after withdrawing its support for then-menteri besar Aminuddin Harun.

Negeri Sembilan polls

• BN candidates contesting in the Negeri Sembilan state election have been told not to raise issues involving the state’s adat institution during the campaign.

  Free Malaysia Today reported BN deputy chairperson Mohamad Hasan as saying that he had reminded all party candidates to respect the institution and keep it out of political campaigning.

  

  “Adat must be respected. Don’t mix it with politics, especially during campaigning, because it would only worsen the situation,” he said after filing his nomination papers for the Rantau seat today.

  His remarks came days after Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim similarly urged all political parties not to drag Negeri Sembilan’s royal institution into the campaign for the Aug 1 state election.

• Caretaker Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun said Pakatan Harapan has a better chance of forming the state government after polling day on Aug 1.

  Aminuddin, who is also Harapan’s candidate for Linggi, said the contest among all parties vying for the state’s 36 seats remained open.

  

  “We (Negeri Sembilan) are not the same as other places. This is ‘our state, our way’,” he said, according to MalaysiaGazette, after the nomination process for all five state seats under the Port Dickson parliamentary constituency today.

• Bersatu Youth information chief Harris Idaham Rashid said the Negeri Sembilan polls will serve as a test of the party’s strength to contest on its logo for the first time since its inception.

  Speaking to reporters at the nominations centre in Jempol for three Bersatu candidates for the Sungai Lui, Klawang and Pertang seats, Harris took a swipe at their rivals, including former allies in Perikatan Nasional.

  

  “Never underestimate any of the existing parties, and never make hasty decisions without discussions, especially within PN.

  “Not every party will remain silent. Some will have the courage to defend their dignity, like Bersatu, which will take on BN, Pakatan Harapan and PN. We will prove our strength on the ground,” he stressed.

East Coast development

• The Economy Ministry today announced the appointment of Syamsul Farizz Nadzeri as the new CEO of the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC).

  He will replace Baidzawi Che Mat, who began leading ECERDC in March 2019.

  Bernama quoted Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Nasir as saying that Syamsul’s appointment coincided with the start of the implementation of the East Coast Economic Region Development Plan 2026–2030.

  

  “The new ECERDC leadership will focus on implementing catalytic projects, facilitating quality investments and strengthening cooperation between the federal government, state governments and the private sector,” said the minister.

  He said the ECER development plan will guide the region’s development in a more sustainable, inclusive and competitive manner.

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