THE race to become Negeri Sembilan's next Menteri Besar has narrowed to three Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders after the coalition formally submitted its nominees to the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, following its victory in the 16th state election.
Party sources identified the three contenders as Negeri Sembilan UMNO chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, Lenggeng assemblyman Datuk Mohd Asna Amin and Johol assemblyman Datuk Saiful Yazan Sulaiman.
"Their names were presented to His Royal Highness for consideration and consent last night," the source told BH.
The source added that the swearing-in ceremony for the new Menteri Besar is scheduled to take place at 10.15am on Sunday at the Balairung Seri, Istana Besar Seri Menanti.
Members of the media were informed of the ceremony through an official WhatsApp notification. However, the identity of the successful candidate has yet to be disclosed.
BN chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed earlier that the coalition had submitted three names to Tuanku Muhriz following an audience at the Istana Hinggap.
"I have just concluded an audience with His Royal Highness the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, during which we had an extensive discussion. I submitted a letter to Tuanku and personally handed over the official documents and credentials.
"I have submitted three names to His Royal Highness the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan and placed them entirely under Tuanku's wisdom, consent and absolute prerogative to select one of them as the new Yang Amat Berhormat Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan," he said.
Zahid declined to reveal the identities of the nominees, saying the announcement rested solely with the palace.
He said the new state administration would be formed with the backing of the 25 State Legislative Assembly seats secured collectively by BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN), giving the alliance a clear majority in the 36-seat assembly.
Jalaluddin, who is also the Member of Parliament for Jelebu, successfully defended the Pertang state seat after defeating two challengers with a majority of 3,719 votes.
Mohd Asna retained Lenggeng with 15,960 votes, increasing his winning majority to 9,994 from just 685 at the previous state election. He defeated Pakatan Harapan's Zarinna Abu Zarin and Bersatu candidate Zool Amali Hussin.
Saiful Yazan also successfully defended the Johol seat, which he has represented since 2018, polling 6,663 votes against Pakatan Harapan candidate Mohd Zailan Mohd Munawar's 2,280 votes to secure a majority of 4,383.
Election Commission chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun announced that BN won 18 of the 36 seats in the State Legislative Assembly, while Pakatan Harapan secured 11 seats and Perikatan Nasional won seven.
Ramlan said the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election was conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner, with 646,084 voters, representing 72.64 per cent of the registered electorate, casting their ballots. - August 2, 2026
