THE cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the Negeri Sembilan state election is merely an understanding between the parties and does not represent the formation of a formal coalition, said UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said the arrangement, which has so far only been implemented in Negeri Sembilan, was aimed at preventing clashes between BN and PN candidates and was not applied during the Johor state election.
"It is an understanding, not a coalition. That is very, very different. The understanding that we have achieved at this level is to ensure there are no clashes.
"That is why these parties can still have different views. There is no problem because we are not a coalition. Do not be confused about this matter.
"For now, the understanding applies in the Negeri Sembilan state election, but how far it will go and where it will lead, we will see... time will determine," he said.
Khaled was speaking to reporters after officiating the Pasir Gudang UMNO division delegates meeting here today.
He was responding to PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s remarks that cooperation between BN and PN could continue for a longer period following what he described as strong collaboration between the two parties throughout the Negeri Sembilan election campaign.
Khaled said the understanding was aimed at strengthening Malay unity and stability, which he described as important for the country, adding that such efforts should not be questioned by any party.
He said divisions within the country’s majority Malay community could potentially contribute to wider national instability.
"It is not appropriate for any party to question or belittle it. Islam itself calls for unity among its followers.
"So, if Malays achieve greater unity and solidarity, what is the problem... it is good for the country and it is something positive.
"BN, with all its achievements, experience and moderate approach, should not cause concern among other communities. UMNO through BN has always included other races, and as BN has always stated... in managing Malaysia, we accept the diversity of the country.
"UMNO has always taken the approach of respecting diversity. We have never practised an attitude of assimilation," he said.
Meanwhile, UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said voters in Negeri Sembilan have the wisdom to evaluate the manifestos presented by all political parties contesting in the state election.
He said voter decisions would not be based solely on campaign promises, but also on the commitment and performance record of each party before and after elections.
"The people of Negeri Sembilan can evaluate because everyone (parties) will offer their manifestos. So let the people decide.
"Ultimately, the victory of any party depends on how the people evaluate each party, their commitment and also what they have done before and after," he said after officiating the 50th Annual General Meeting of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) 2026.
BN unveiled its Negeri Sembilan election manifesto containing 88 initiatives based on nine key pillars ahead of the 16th state election scheduled for 1 August.
The manifesto also includes 15 Salam Sejahtera Scheme initiatives and the establishment of a Manifesto Implementation Monitoring Coordination Unit if BN receives the mandate to govern the state.
Carrying the theme "Make Negeri Sembilan Great Again: Stability Built, State Cared For, Rakyat Defended, Prosperity Created ("Hebatkan Semula Negeri Sembilan: Kestabilan Dibina, Negeri Dijaga, Rakyat Dibela, Kemakmuran Dicipta’), the manifesto was launched by BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who is also Negeri Sembilan BN chairman.
Mohamad said BN’s proposals were not "unfinished plans" but represented a development agenda for Negeri Sembilan that had been disrupted following the party’s defeat in the 2018 election.
Asked about BN’s campaign momentum after a week of campaigning, including confidence that the coalition could regain support among Chinese voters, Johari declined to make assumptions, saying the matter would be better addressed by MCA. - July 25, 2026
