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BARISAN Nasional’s (BN) decision to leave 11 state seats unnamed after announcing candidates for 25 of the 36 constituencies in the Negeri Sembilan election has fuelled speculation that the remaining seats could be allocated to Perikatan Nasional (PN).
The seats, currently held by PKR, DAP, Bersatu and PAS, are believed to be part of discussions between BN and PN as both coalitions explore possible cooperation ahead of the August 1 polls.
Talk of an informal understanding between the two blocs had emerged before the Johor election, but failed to materialise then.
However, the possibility appears stronger in Negeri Sembilan, with PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang confirming that efforts were underway for cooperation with BN.
Wawasan chairman Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has also indicated that discussions were progressing positively.
A PN source said that the 11 seats left open by BN are expected to be contested by PN, including Klawang, Serting, Lobak, Sikamat, Ampangan, Bukit Kepayang, Mambau, Paroi, Lukut, Bagan Pinang and Gemas.
Seven of the seats are currently held by Pakatan Harapan (PH), while the remaining four belong to PAS and Bersatu.
The source said PAS and Wawasan are expected to receive a significant share of the seats, with other PN component parties, including Pejuang, Gerakan and MIPP, are also likely to be allocated constituencies.
The final line-up is expected to be confirmed tonight when PN announces its candidates for the Negeri Sembilan polls in Seremban. – July 16, 2026
