A DISPUTE between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) over the menteri besar post in Negri Sembilan will not affect the pact’s chances at the August 12 state elections, observers said.

They said the issue is not strong enough to sway the PH-BN alliance, and that such a matter is normal in a political pact.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim previously said incumbent menteri besar and fellow PKR man Aminuddin Harun would continue to lead the state if the PH-BN alliance wins the polls next month.

Anwar said Aminuddin has performed satisfactorily in office, and had launched various programmes to help the people.

But Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said all parties in government should focus on winning the state elections before starting talks on menteri besar candidates.

Mohamad reportedly said the Negri Sembilan ruler has the final say on who gets to be menteri besar.

University Malaya academic Awang Azman Awang Pawi agreed with Mohamad

He said PH-BN should look for a formula to win in the polls before deciding who should become MB.

“At the end, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar will decide, so they should win first before fighting over the post. The task is not easy. Win handsomely, try to get the Malays to back you, and then talk about the MB.

“If there is too much noise about the MB, you won’t be able to focus on winning. If you lose, you’ll lose big,” said Awang Azman.

Hisomuddin Bakar of Ilham Centre said the tussle is not a serious threat to the cooperation, but said PH and BN should tread carefully.

Citing a study, he said voters in the state are comfortable with the current PH-BN administration.

“It shouldn’t be a problem and it is a non-issue, actually. It won’t cause problems for the party leadership but it would be better if they can have an understanding.

“BN most probably has its own candidate, but based on our study, it is not really an issue,” he said.

Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia agreed with Hisomuddin.

He said PH and BN have come a long way, and the MB matter should not trouble them too much.

“They had been enemies for many years but now the cooperation looks good and the power transition went smoothly. They were also able to resolve seat talks.

“I don’t see how this MB issue will break them apart. This is normal in politics – if you are not stern you’ll not win, you need to get your voices heard,” he said.

Mazlan said in BN, especially in Umno, they know they cannot afford to go solo.

“They can’t choose Bersatu and they can’t go alone. Umno has no choice given this current circumstances.

“As for now, PH and BN have to win the Malay vote first and get more seats. They have to find a formula,” he said.

State elections in Selangor, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang and Negri Sembilan are slated for August 12. – July 31, 2023.