NEGERI Sembilan caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has admitted he is taking one of the biggest electoral risks of his political career by moving from the safe Pakatan Harapan (PH) seat of Sikamat to contest the Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold of Linggi in the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election.
The PH Negeri Sembilan chairman said the move reflected his determination to expand the coalition's electoral reach rather than seek a comfortable victory, despite Linggi's long-standing reputation as one of BN's traditional bastions.
"I am contesting in Linggi. As everyone knows, Linggi is one of BN's strongholds. They have won there many times and, traditionally, they have always won there.
"So, I see this as an opportunity to contribute whatever I can to the people of Linggi and also to ensure PH has the opportunity to succeed in this election.
"That is not a safe seat; it is a BN stronghold. We have contested there before but lost. This time I am contesting there to ensure victory," he said.
Aminuddin was speaking to reporters after the Pakatan Harapan Negeri Sembilan candidate announcement ceremony, officiated by PH chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The four-term assemblyman also expressed heartfelt appreciation to voters in Sikamat, whom he has represented continuously since first winning the seat in 2008, saying their unwavering support had been instrumental throughout his political journey.
"To the voters of Sikamat, I would like to express my gratitude. I am deeply indebted to them. I care greatly for them and I am confident in the support they have given PH over the years, dating back to the Pakatan Rakyat era in 2008.
"Until today they have continued to support us. I am confident they will continue to give their support to our new candidate," he said.
Aminuddin's political secretary, Nor Azman Mohamad, who has been selected to defend the Sikamat seat, acknowledged that succeeding the Menteri Besar would be a formidable challenge given the high benchmark established over four consecutive terms.
"This is not an easy task. I do not take this contest lightly. I am taking over the responsibility from Tok Min, who has set a very high benchmark in Sikamat through his service.
"God willing, I will do my very best to continue the work that he has carried out and ensure the welfare of the people of Sikamat continues to be safeguarded over time," he said. - July 15, 2026
