DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has sought to reassure Chinese and Indian voters in Negeri Sembilan that the political understanding between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) will not affect the representation of different communities.
Speaking at an event last night in Rasa, the BN chairman said the coalition remained inclusive through its component parties and associated groups representing various ethnic and religious backgrounds.
He said voters should not be concerned over cooperation between BN and PN ahead of the Negeri Sembilan state election, as BN continued to uphold its multiracial structure.
"Within Barisan Nasional, we have MCA representing the Chinese, MIC representing the Indians, and the Friends of Barisan Nasional representing other different racial and religious groups. This means that we do not exclude any religion or ethnic group," he said.
Zahid also thanked PN for its support towards BN, citing the Johor state election as an example where PN leaders had encouraged their supporters to back BN candidates in constituencies where PN was not contesting.
He urged BN supporters, including those aligned with UMNO and its component parties, to reciprocate by supporting PN candidates in areas where the understanding applies.
"Therefore, I also urge all voters who support UMNO and the component parties of Barisan Nasional to fully support the Perikatan Nasional candidate," he said.
Clarifying the nature of the cooperation, Zahid said the arrangement was not a formal political alliance but a political understanding aimed at avoiding clashes between BN and PN candidates.
"This understanding aims to avoid a direct confrontation between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional candidates, ensuring that they do not contest in the same constituencies.
"Hopefully, the victory on August 1 will be the first success of this political understanding and lay the foundation for further cooperation in the future," he said. - July 30, 2026
