BN to tailor N9 election strategy to demographics, voting patterns – Ahmad Zahid

Differences in demographics and voting patterns in Negeri Sembilan will shape BN’s political strategy and candidate selection for the upcoming state election, says Ahmad Zahid.

KUALA LUMPUR: Differences in demographics and voting patterns in Negeri Sembilan will be among the factors shaping Barisan Nasional’s (BN) political strategy and candidate selection formula for the upcoming state election, said BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said the approach was necessary as Negeri Sembilan differs from other states in terms of the number of seats and population composition.

“The situation in Negeri Sembilan is certainly different because the number of seats, population demographics and voting patterns also differ. So, BN’s formula must be adjusted to suit the political situation in the state. We will announce the candidates this week,” he said.

He said this to reporters after attending a briefing session with the TVET@KKDW (Rural and Regional Development Ministry) contingent participating in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 today, which was also attended by Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang.

Earlier, in his speech at the event, Ahmad Zahid said BN’s victory in the Johor state election last Saturday was achieved through mental resilience and emotional creativity in overcoming challenges throughout the campaign.

On cooperation talks with PAS, including a proposed candidate for the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar post, the UMNO president said there was no formal agreement between the two parties, with discussions only reflecting an understanding that had yet to be finalised.

“Not everything should be accepted as an accurate statement because we do not have any agreement with PAS. Any discussions were merely based on an understanding, and we have not finalised anything,” he said.

Meanwhile, when asked about calls for Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who is also DAP deputy chairman, to resign, Ahmad Zahid said statements on certain matters should be made reasonably, as both parties are part of the Unity Government.

“If we were in the opposition, making such statements might be considered appropriate, but when we are together in government, there is no need to raise such matters. I will meet him; he is my friend,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said relations among Unity Government leaders at the federal level remain good and professional, with all parties working together as one team until the end of the administration’s term.