PUTRAJAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has admitted he is unsure whether the coalition’s “blue wave” can extend to Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah in the next general election (GE16).
Zahid said the wave could spread across all states during GE16, but stopped short of predicting whether it could gain traction in the three PAS-led states.
“The blue wave will keep coming. It will continue from Johor to Negeri Sembilan, and God willing, to Melaka,” he said in his speech at the monthly assembly of the rural and regional development ministry.
“I’m not sure whether it will reach Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah. But I will ensure that it also reaches Perlis and other states.”
Speaking to reporters later, Zahid did not rule out an electoral understanding with Perikatan Nasional (PN) ahead of GE16, saying any cooperation would hinge on PN’s “sincerity and honesty” in negotiations.
However, he stressed that BN would not give up seats it had already won to other parties.
The recent election in Negeri Sembilan saw the informal electoral alliance between BN and PN winning 25 of the 36 state assembly seats, securing a comfortable two-thirds majority. BN secured 18 seats, while PN won seven.
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang previously said the BN-PN cooperation in Negeri Sembilan would be assessed from time to time, fuelling speculation that the arrangement could be extended to the Melaka election and eventually GE16.
Asked about claims by Wawasan chairman Rais Yatim that outside parties had interfered in the selection of the Negeri Sembilan menteri besar, Zahid described the remarks as reflecting the “senility” of someone who does not understand political realities.
He said it was his responsibility as BN chairman to submit the instrument of appointment and recommendations for the menteri besar to the palace.
Zahid also dismissed speculation that Pakatan Harapan assemblymen would be appointed to the Negeri Sembilan executive council, saying this would not happen under the BN-led state administration.
