'Good ties' with BN will ease Harapan’s seat negotiations in N Sembilan – Loke

 

Negeri Sembilan Pakatan Harapan is banking on its good relations with the state BN chapter to ease the seat negotiation process ahead of the upcoming state elections.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said such positive ties were built between Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun and Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan, a former menteri besar of the state.

"He (Aminuddin) used to be an Umno member, so he has good ties with the party and Tok Mat (Mohamad).

"Therefore, I hope we can use those good ties to facilitate the negotiations," said Loke (above) during a press conference after officiating the Negeri Sembilan DAP state convention in Seremban earlier today.

Negeri Sembilan is one of six states due to hold its state election by June - along with Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu that did not dissolve its state assemblies during GE15.

In GE14, Harapan formed the state government in Negeri Sembilan with 20 seats, while BN formed the opposition bench with 16 seats.

The two coalitions will, however, face the upcoming state election as new partners against Perikatan Nasional (PN) and others, opening up the room for seat negotiations.

Commenting further, Loke said Harapan had in principle proposed for incumbent parties to defend their respective seats.

"Whatever it may be, it will depend on the negotiation process, and we leave it to the wisdom of the menteri besar to negotiate at the state level.

"Based on my experience in the Harapan presidential council, usually if it has been resolved at the state-level, then all matters are settled. Central leadership will just endorse the decision," the minister said.

Meanwhile, Aminuddin, who was also present at the presser, said BN must be gracious and defend its 16 seats won during GE14.

He said the approach would then facilitate any negotiations between both coalitions.

To a question from the media, Aminuddin said, "Yes, (BN) must be gracious."

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun

Aminuddin noted there are no "available seats" up for negotiation in Negeri Sembilan as there are no incumbents from Bersatu or PAS in GE14.

"It is simple in Negeri Sembilan (to negotiate). We (Harapan) won 20 state seats, and we must respect the mandate given.

"In my opinion, this (approach) will provide more confidence to the public, rather than if we're seen fighting among ourselves," he said. - Mkini