We'll lose in Negri if Malay vote is split, KJ says on BN-PN tie-up

 

Acknowledging dissatisfaction among several division leaders in Negri Sembilan over seat allocations to Pas and Wawasan, Khairy warned that a split in the Malay vote would inevitably result in defeat. - NSTP/FAIZ ANUAR

SHAH ALAM: Cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional in the Negri Sembilan state election could lead to a landslide victory for both coalitions if Malay votes are not split, says former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.

Acknowledging dissatisfaction among several division leaders in Negri Sembilan over seat allocations to Pas and Wawasan, Khairy warned that a split in the Malay vote would inevitably result in defeat.

Citing his defeat in the Sungai Buloh parliamentary seat during the last general election, Khairy noted that Pakatan Harapan won after securing around 50,000 votes against his 48,000.

"Even though Pas did not campaign aggressively then, they still won 29,000 votes," he said after a Subang Umno Youth divisional meeting last night.

"This shows that as long as a Pas candidate is contesting, the Malay vote will be split."

While acknowledging the anxiety among Umno members over the BN-PN partnership in Negri Sembilan, he said the state's political dynamics differed from those in Johor.

He said that BN in Johor was the incumbent holding the menteri besar post, backed by a strong four-year track record of rapid development and solid ground support.

In contrast, Khairy said BN in Negri Sembilan was merely riding along in a PH-led administration, where PH held the menteri besar post, controlled state and federal machinery, and operated in a state with a higher non-Malay voter population.

This, he said, required flexible leadership and smart strategic thinking.

Khairy also claimed that friction remained between BN and PH despite four years of co-existing in the unity government, adding that significant issues persisted within their cooperation. - NST