- BN-PN coalition won 25 of the 36 state assembly seats in the 2026 Negeri Sembilan election, securing a two-thirds majority and ending PH's two-term administration.
- Before the 2026 polls, BN and PN formed a formal pact in Negeri Sembilan, agreeing not to contest against each other and to urge their bases to cross-vote.
- PH won 17 seats in the 2023 Negeri Sembilan election but fell to 11 seats in 2026, marking a significant loss.
- Analysts warn that the real test for the BN-PN alliance will come in PAS-led states, such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis.
- The Melaka election is due by early 2027, and Malaysia's 16th general elections (GE16) must be held by February 2028.
The 2026 Negeri Sembilan state election marked a significant political shift, with Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) winning 25 of 36 seats, effectively ending Pakatan Harapan's (PH) two-term rule.
BN secured 18 seats while PN won seven, achieving a comfortable two-thirds majority. This victory reflects a strong backing from Malay-Muslim voters, indicating a potential shift in the electoral landscape.
Analysts, however, caution that the real test for the BN-PN alliance will arise in states dominated by PAS, such as Kelantan and Terengganu, where political dynamics are more complex.5
Hisommudin Bakar from Ilham Centre noted that while the election results send a clear message from voters, achieving full consolidation between BN and PN will be challenging.
“I believe they will move on forward and come to a compromise based on the desires of Malay voters who have made their message clear,” he stated.
The partnership between BN and PN is seen as a natural ideological fit, appealing to conservative Malay sentiments, but analysts warn that internal tensions could jeopardize this cooperation.
“Neither side can assume that this understanding will definitely continue until the 16th general election,” cautioned Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
The upcoming general elections, due by February 2028, will test the durability of this alliance, especially in PAS strongholds where seat allocations and voter sentiments may pose significant challenges.
“If BN changes its mind following negotiations between the top leadership, it is possible that the kind of cooperation seen in Negeri Sembilan will not continue,” warned Syahruddin Awang Ahmad of Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
“BN-PN took 25 of 36 state assembly seats for a two-thirds majority, ending PH's two-term administration in Negeri Sembilan. A pact simulation projects 122 Peninsular Malaysia seats at GE16, though analysts note cracks already emerged during the campaign and the alliance's path through PAS strongholds remains untested.”
Newswav
