Harapan leaders frame N Sembilan polls as verdict on BN 'betrayal'
Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain
Published: Jun 13, 2026 8:30 AM
Updated: 11:48 AM
Pakatan Harapan leaders continue to publicly call for Negeri Sembilan voters to "punish" BN in the upcoming state polls.
The resounding declarations of a supposedly tarnished relationship were repeatedly issued during Harapan's election machinery launch last night, just hours after the Election Commission (EC) announced dates for the state polls.
Descending on Karisma Arena in Seremban as early as 6pm yesterday, crowds of multiracial supporters turned up at the hall opposite a primary school.
With parking spaces within walking distance reserved for VIPs, throngs of people from various walks of life braved logistical puzzles to unite against a common enemy.
Addressing the crowd, which Malaysiakini estimated numbered around 1,500, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that he had been against calling for a snap election in the state before its administration completed its term.
Published: Jun 13, 2026 8:30 AM
Updated: 11:48 AM
Pakatan Harapan leaders continue to publicly call for Negeri Sembilan voters to "punish" BN in the upcoming state polls.
The resounding declarations of a supposedly tarnished relationship were repeatedly issued during Harapan's election machinery launch last night, just hours after the Election Commission (EC) announced dates for the state polls.
Descending on Karisma Arena in Seremban as early as 6pm yesterday, crowds of multiracial supporters turned up at the hall opposite a primary school.
With parking spaces within walking distance reserved for VIPs, throngs of people from various walks of life braved logistical puzzles to unite against a common enemy.
Addressing the crowd, which Malaysiakini estimated numbered around 1,500, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that he had been against calling for a snap election in the state before its administration completed its term.
He asserted that the political instability caused by Umno players in the state was unfounded as caretaker menteri besar Aminuddin Harun and the state government had continuously prioritised the rakyat's welfare.
"I said 'just be patient, there will have to be an election eventually,' but they (BN) did not want to wait (as) they were confident they could bring down the government.
"What timber project did Aminuddin approve? What land did he steal? There aren't any rakyat-centric or governance issues - what sort of friends are these?" Anwar pressed during his speech.
The Harapan chairperson acknowledged that while he is "not perfect" and has had to compromise on certain matters due to the nature of the unity government, he has always tried his best in ensuring the nation's development.
While Anwar's speech, which wrapped up at approximately 11pm, drew applause from the crowd, audience members appeared less keen to instigate rounds of cheers or chants typically heard at events featuring the prime minister.
Plot to topple state govt
Aminuddin similarly expressed disappointment over the sequence of events leading up to the dissolution of the state legislature.
Reiterating that the dissolution was a result of the "betrayal" imposed by the 14 Umno assemblypersons who had initially withdrawn their support for his leadership, Aminuddin stressed that a state election is the only way to ensure the people's mandate is heard.
He and other coalition leaders further referenced a letter, ostensibly from Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin to PAS leaders, regarding an alleged plot to topple the state's unity government.
"We have all seen the pages (of the letter), which exposed a great betrayal - I'm sure that the rakyat would not want (such tactics) to continue.
"We are forced to go through this hardship and suffering, when we could have resolved the crisis through unity, but if this is what they have chosen, we will fight," Aminuddin said.
READ MORE: DAP Youth chief insists Umno No 2 involved in N Sembilan plot, cites Muhyiddin letter
The incumbent Sikamat assemblyperson, however, appeared to express concern on the turnout for the event, which included a presentation from one of his aides on Negeri Sembilan's economic performance under his leadership.
Aminuddin Harun
"(The number of people) that we have in the hall now is not enough - I'm sure that many people couldn't make it, and plenty are already on the ground.
"In actuality, our machinery is 10 times more (than the event's attendance)," Aminuddin said, noting that there could be plenty more people watching the launch's livestream on social media channels.
Harapan machinery
Commenting on Harapan's machinery, Aminuddin stressed that any election candidate approved by the coalition and its component parties' leadership should receive supporters' full backing.
"I don't want to hear from any state constituency (that) there are attempts to not support a candidate.
"Whoever the candidate is, I appeal, must be supported - we cannot be traitors like our 'friends' who betrayed us when things were going well," he affirmed.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, whose party has often been the target of BN's derision, asserted that certain voters are "uneasy" with the Madani government's performance due to lopsided priorities.
"(The number of people) that we have in the hall now is not enough - I'm sure that many people couldn't make it, and plenty are already on the ground.
"In actuality, our machinery is 10 times more (than the event's attendance)," Aminuddin said, noting that there could be plenty more people watching the launch's livestream on social media channels.
Harapan machinery
Commenting on Harapan's machinery, Aminuddin stressed that any election candidate approved by the coalition and its component parties' leadership should receive supporters' full backing.
"I don't want to hear from any state constituency (that) there are attempts to not support a candidate.
"Whoever the candidate is, I appeal, must be supported - we cannot be traitors like our 'friends' who betrayed us when things were going well," he affirmed.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, whose party has often been the target of BN's derision, asserted that certain voters are "uneasy" with the Madani government's performance due to lopsided priorities.
Anthony Loke
"Some don't like to witness a stable government as they're afraid their position might be affected (and) the chance for them to control the government again will be lost.
"That's why there are all sorts of efforts to wreak havoc on our nation," he said.
Confirming that DAP will be defending its 11 incumbent seats in the state assembly, Loke, who is also the transport minister, said he, too, will enter the election fray.
READ MORE: N Sembilan polls: Loke to defend Chennah, confident Harapan can secure majority
Following the dissolution of the Johor assembly on June 1, the Negeri Sembilan legislature followed suit on June 5.
Polling day for Johor has been set for July 11, while Negeri Sembilan voters will head to the ballot boxes on Aug 1.
"Some don't like to witness a stable government as they're afraid their position might be affected (and) the chance for them to control the government again will be lost.
"That's why there are all sorts of efforts to wreak havoc on our nation," he said.
Confirming that DAP will be defending its 11 incumbent seats in the state assembly, Loke, who is also the transport minister, said he, too, will enter the election fray.
READ MORE: N Sembilan polls: Loke to defend Chennah, confident Harapan can secure majority
Following the dissolution of the Johor assembly on June 1, the Negeri Sembilan legislature followed suit on June 5.
Polling day for Johor has been set for July 11, while Negeri Sembilan voters will head to the ballot boxes on Aug 1.
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