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BARISAN Nasional (BN) has launched its campaign for the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election by promising to restore political stability and deliver experienced, credible leadership following the political crisis that led to the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
Unveiling the coalition's first 25 candidates at the BN Candidate Announcement Ceremony at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium car park in Paroi on Wednesday night, BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the state required a government capable of regaining the people's confidence and steering Negeri Sembilan towards sustained progress.
He said the election represented a crucial opportunity for BN to offer a stable administration focused on improving livelihoods, creating more opportunities for young people and ensuring a brighter future for families across the state.
"This is the mandate awaiting us and this is the struggle we must shoulder together. This is not the time to relax. This is not the time for division. This marks the beginning of a major struggle that will determine the direction of Negeri Sembilan for the next five years.
"The people of this state long for a government that is able to safeguard their interests. The people of this state want a government that creates more opportunities for young people and, most importantly, ensures every family in Negeri Sembilan enjoys a better future," he said.
Also present at the event were BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and senior leaders from the coalition's component parties.
Zahid said BN entered the Negeri Sembilan contest buoyed by its commanding victory in the Johor state election last Saturday, where it captured 48 of the 56 State Legislative Assembly seats, secured almost 60 per cent of the popular vote and recorded the coalition's biggest-ever electoral triumph in the state.
He described the Johor result as a clear endorsement of BN's ability to provide political stability, strengthen economic development and govern responsibly.
"I am confident that victory was a major message sent by Bangsa Johor to the people across the country. Bangsa Johor chose stability over conflict. They chose a proven track record over political rhetoric. They chose a government with principles instead of one that makes excuses and points fingers when it fails to govern well," he said.
Zahid, who is also UMNO president, added that the Johor outcome also reaffirmed BN's position as a genuinely multiracial political coalition built on mutual respect and moderation.
However, he cautioned party members against becoming complacent despite the resounding Johor victory, saying: "That victory does not make us arrogant, nor should it lead us to boast. The victory in Johor gives us confidence but, in politics, yesterday's victory never guarantees tomorrow's success.
"Victory belongs only to those who remain united, work tirelessly and always place the people's interests above everything else. Now it is Negeri Sembilan's turn. This state has its own history, customs, demographics and political challenges.
"Victory in Johor is not an automatic ticket for us to win in Negeri Sembilan. Instead, let it inspire us to work harder and in a more organised manner," he said.
“Every vote must be earned and every home must be visited. That is what will determine our victory on Aug 1," he said.
BN also announced the first 25 of its 36 candidates for the Aug 1 election, comprising 16 candidates from UMNO, seven from MCA and two from MIC.
The following are the 25 candidates announced by Barisan Nasional:
N01 CHENNAH: Siow Kong Choon (MCA)
N02 PERTANG: Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (UMNO) (Incumbent)
N03 SUNGAI LUI: Datuk Mohd Razi Mohd Ali (UMNO) (Incumbent)
N06 PALONG: Datuk Mustapha Nagoor (UMNO) (Incumbent)
N07 JERAM PADANG: Datuk Mohd Zaidy Abdul Kadir (UMNO) (Incumbent)
N08 BAHAU: Ah Chong Fui Ming (MCA)
N09 LENGGENG: Datuk Mohd Asna Amin (UMNO) (Incumbent)
N10 NILAI: Lai Chien Kong (MCA)
N12 TEMIANG: Leaw Kok Chan (MCA)
N15 JUASSEH: Datuk Ismail Lasim (UMNO) (Incumbent)
N16 SERI MENANTI: Muhammad Sufian Maradzi (UMNO) (Incumbent)
N17 SENALING: Mohamad Qayyum Abd Jalil (UMNO) (New Face)
N18 PILAH: Lisa Mat Yassin (UMNO)
N19 JOHOL: Datuk Saiful Yazan Sulaiman (UMNO) (Incumbent)
N20 LABU: Siti Nur Umairah Hashim (UMNO)
N22 RAHANG: Yap Siok Moy (MCA)
N24 SEREMBAN JAYA: T Rajagopalu (MIC)
N26 CHEMBONG: Datuk Zaifulbahri (UMNO) (Incumbent)
N27 RANTAU: Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (UMNO) (Incumbent)
N28 KOTA: Suhaimi Aini (UMNO) (Incumbent)
N29 CHUAH: Pau Juoy Chin (MCA)
N32 LINGGI: Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli (UMNO) (Incumbent)
N33 SRI TANJUNG: A Achutan (MIC)
N34 GEMENCHEH: Suhaimizan Bizar (UMNO) (Incumbent)
N36 REPAH: Koh Kim Swee (MCA) - July 16, 2026
