Zahid Calls for Stronger BN Campaign, Says Party Must Overcome ‘Underdog’ Status in Negeri Sembilan Polls
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has acknowledged that the coalition faces an uphill battle in the upcoming 16th Negeri Sembilan state election, urging party leaders, candidates and campaign machinery to intensify their efforts as preparations enter a crucial stage.
Speaking after an engagement session with Kemas Negeri Sembilan staff in Seremban, Ahmad Zahid said he remains dissatisfied with the current level of campaign groundwork and believes more needs to be done to strengthen voter outreach before polling day.
The Deputy Prime Minister described BN as the “underdog” in the state election, saying the coalition cannot afford to become complacent despite the challenges it faces.
According to him, BN’s position following the dissolution of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly requires the coalition to work harder than its political rivals in order to regain public confidence.
“We are the underdog party, and our candidates are also underdogs. Before the dissolution of the state assembly, BN held only 14 seats, so we have always viewed ourselves as the underdog,” he said.
Nevertheless, Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that determined campaigning could produce positive results, adding that every election presents opportunities for parties willing to engage voters consistently throughout the campaign period.
He said the effectiveness of BN’s efforts would ultimately be reflected after the election through the formation of the next state government.
The BN chairman stressed that candidates and election machinery must maximise every opportunity to connect with voters, strengthen grassroots operations and communicate the coalition’s plans for the state.
He also revealed that BN will soon unveil its manifesto for the Negeri Sembilan election, which he said will focus on practical and achievable commitments rather than unrealistic promises.
Among the coalition’s key policy priorities is the creation of 50,000 employment opportunities over the course of its administration should it be entrusted with governing the state.
Ahmad Zahid said BN also intends to strengthen Negeri Sembilan’s economic position by developing the state into a major manufacturing hub for halal products, leveraging Malaysia’s established halal industry to attract investment and create new business opportunities.
He said the proposed initiatives are aimed at generating sustainable economic growth while expanding employment opportunities for local communities.
Earlier at the event, Ahmad Zahid presented Excellent Service Awards to outstanding personnel from Kemas headquarters as well as staff from the Federal Territories, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, the Kemas Kuala Lumpur Skills Institute (ILKKL) and the Kemas Training Centre (PLK) Melaka.
As campaigning gathers momentum, BN leaders are expected to continue strengthening grassroots engagement while positioning the coalition’s manifesto and economic agenda as central pillars of its campaign in the contest for control of the Negeri Sembilan state government.
