Tok Mat, Loke's victory may halt PN's inroads into Umno's fort in Negeri Sembilan - analyst

SHAH ALAM - Negeri Sembilan has been a stronghold of Umno for decades but may be facing some potential changes as Perikatan Nasional (PN) makes inroads into the state.

Dr Oh Ei Sun, the principal adviser at Pacific Research Center of Malaysia and Senior Fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs said the state's unity government may weaken if two Cabinet ministers Anthony Loke and Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan or commonly known as Tok Mat were to lose in the state elections.

"There will be political implications for the federal government because both of them are ministers. It would mean people are not confident with the current administration," said Oh during Sinar Daily Voting Nation LIve programme.

Tok Mat, who holds the position of Defence Minister and is Umno's number two, has been having a strong grip on Negeri Sembilan and his supporters expect him to deliver firmly.

His potential loss could see voters shift their allegiance to Perikatan Nasional.

"Tok Mat has a firmer grip on Negeri Sembilan. Supporters would expect him to deliver more firmly,” said Oh.

If Tok Mat losses, Umno may be abandoned by voters and switch to Perikatan Nasional.

The same for Loke, the Transport Minister and DAP's Secretary-General as he carries significant influence within his party, he said.