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PAS has confirmed it is in discussions with Barisan Nasional (BN) over a possible electoral pact for the Negeri Sembilan state election, with party president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang describing negotiations as constructive and progressing positively.
Speaking after the Negeri Sembilan PAS Grand Dinner on Sunday, Abdul Hadi revealed that cooperation between PAS and BN had been explored even before preparations for the upcoming state polls, including an earlier attempt to form the state government through statutory declarations (SDs).
He said the effort ultimately failed after two Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) state assemblymen withdrew their support.
"Yes...we are working towards cooperation with BN and, at an early stage, we had already sought to work together to take over the government through statutory declarations (SDs), but unfortunately two Bersatu State Assembly members withdrew.
"At that time, BN did not withdraw. That showed there has been room for us to cooperate from the very beginning. For this state election, discussions are still ongoing and they are very positive," he said.
Abdul Hadi said PAS had, in principle, agreed that BN should retain the 14 seats it won at the previous state election, while PAS would continue defending the three constituencies it currently holds.
He added that negotiations would determine the allocation of the remaining 17 seats.
"BN already has 14 seats and we have five seats (including the two Bersatu seats). The remaining seats will be divided.
"Wait until the list of candidates is announced. But we accept the reality that Negeri Sembilan is dominated by BN and that it leads," he said.
In a further indication of PAS' willingness to forge a broader political understanding with BN, Abdul Hadi said the party had no objection to BN nominating the Menteri Besar, provided the candidate was a Malay Muslim.
On the coalition's election symbol, he said discussions were still ongoing on whether PAS would contest under its own logo or the Perikatan Nasional (PN) banner.
"The logo will be decided by each party and PAS has not yet decided whether to use the PAS logo or the Perikatan Nasional logo. That is still under discussion," he said.
In the previous Negeri Sembilan state election, Pakatan Harapan won 17 of the 36 seats, comprising 11 by DAP, five by PKR and one by Amanah. BN secured 14 seats, while PN won five, with PAS capturing Bagan Pinang, Serting and Paroi, and Bersatu winning Gemas and Labu. - July 13, 2026
