Linggi, Chennah to test whether PH’s governance trumps identity politics
Analyst Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri says the seats should be viewed as a broader indicator of the direction of Negeri Sembilan politics ahead of GE16
DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook is seeking a fourth term in Chennah, while Negeri Sembilan PH chairman Aminuddin Harun is contesting the BN stronghold of Linggi. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Linggi and Chennah have emerged as key battlegrounds for Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the Negeri Sembilan election, where they are expected to test whether politics centred on performance, moderation and governance can outweigh identity-based sentiments.
Analyst Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri said Linggi highlights menteri besar Aminuddin Harun’s willingness to contest a Barisan Nasional (BN)-held seat, while Chennah will see Loke Siew Fook defending a mixed constituency.
He said the two seats should not be viewed merely as contests between individual candidates, but as a broader indicator of the direction of Negeri Sembilan politics ahead of the 16th general election.
Aminuddin, who had long represented Sikamat, was fielded by PH in Linggi this time. The seat is currently held by BN and has a Malay-majority electorate.
Analyst Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri said Linggi highlights menteri besar Aminuddin Harun’s willingness to contest a Barisan Nasional (BN)-held seat, while Chennah will see Loke Siew Fook defending a mixed constituency.
He said the two seats should not be viewed merely as contests between individual candidates, but as a broader indicator of the direction of Negeri Sembilan politics ahead of the 16th general election.
Aminuddin, who had long represented Sikamat, was fielded by PH in Linggi this time. The seat is currently held by BN and has a Malay-majority electorate.
Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri.“The move makes political sense because PH wants to demonstrate that Aminuddin is not merely a leader for a safe seat, but a state-level figure capable of winning support in a more challenging constituency.
“The presence of Bersatu also makes the contest more open, as the Malay vote could be split, while PH can rely on support from non-Malay voters, moderate voters and Aminuddin’s administrative track record,” Aminuddin told FMT.
He said an Aminuddin victory would carry significant political weight as it would show PH is capable of breaking into BN strongholds through moderate and stable leadership.
Aminuddin is facing incumbent Faizal Ramli of BN and Bersatu’s Zamri Said.
Chennah a test of moderate politics
In Chennah, Zaharuddin said Loke faces a different challenge as the constituency is a mixed seat, with about 47% Malay voters, 44% Chinese, 7% Orang Asli and 2% Indian voters, making it a microcosm of Malaysia’s multiethnic politics.
He said Loke had, since 2013, transformed Chennah from an MCA stronghold into a solid DAP seat through constituency service, accessibility to voters and his standing as a national leader.
“Chennah is no longer just a local contest. It is a referendum on whether multi-ethnic moderation can still prevail over ethnic mobilisation.
“A victory for Loke would reinforce the argument that voters in mixed constituencies continue to value performance, experience and moderate politics,” he said.
Loke will defend the seat against BN candidate Siow Kong Choon.
Zaharuddin said the outcomes in Linggi and Chennah would help determine whether Negeri Sembilan voters want to retain performance-based politics or shift more strongly towards race- and identity-based sentiments.
“If Aminuddin and Loke win, it will signal that performance-based politics still carries weight,” he said.
“The presence of Bersatu also makes the contest more open, as the Malay vote could be split, while PH can rely on support from non-Malay voters, moderate voters and Aminuddin’s administrative track record,” Aminuddin told FMT.
He said an Aminuddin victory would carry significant political weight as it would show PH is capable of breaking into BN strongholds through moderate and stable leadership.
Aminuddin is facing incumbent Faizal Ramli of BN and Bersatu’s Zamri Said.
Chennah a test of moderate politics
In Chennah, Zaharuddin said Loke faces a different challenge as the constituency is a mixed seat, with about 47% Malay voters, 44% Chinese, 7% Orang Asli and 2% Indian voters, making it a microcosm of Malaysia’s multiethnic politics.
He said Loke had, since 2013, transformed Chennah from an MCA stronghold into a solid DAP seat through constituency service, accessibility to voters and his standing as a national leader.
“Chennah is no longer just a local contest. It is a referendum on whether multi-ethnic moderation can still prevail over ethnic mobilisation.
“A victory for Loke would reinforce the argument that voters in mixed constituencies continue to value performance, experience and moderate politics,” he said.
Loke will defend the seat against BN candidate Siow Kong Choon.
Zaharuddin said the outcomes in Linggi and Chennah would help determine whether Negeri Sembilan voters want to retain performance-based politics or shift more strongly towards race- and identity-based sentiments.
“If Aminuddin and Loke win, it will signal that performance-based politics still carries weight,” he said.
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I fear for Loke
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