JELEBU (July 18): Negeri Sembilan Barisan Nasional (BN) is targeting to win more than the 19 seats needed for a simple majority, allowing the coalition to form the state government without relying on other parties.

BN Negeri Sembilan chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said the coalition is confident of securing a clear mandate from voters, although he acknowledged that various possibilities could emerge in politics.

"Many things can happen in politics, and we have other approaches that we will decide later. But I have no second thoughts about this. I am confident that BN can win and form the government on its own," he told reporters after the nomination process concluded on Saturday.

BN is contesting 25 of the 36 seats in the Negeri Sembilan state election, while the remaining 11 seats will see contests between other parties, including Perikatan Nasional.

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had previously said BN would have an understanding with a "friend", but did not elaborate further on the matter.

Jalaluddin, who is seeking a third term as Pertang assemblyman, will face a three-cornered contest against Pakatan Harapan's (PH) Umry Abdul Khois and Bersatu's Faizal Fadli Idrus.

Pertang, located within the Jelebu parliamentary constituency which Jalaluddin also represents, is a predominantly Malay seat. Malays account for 65.5% of voters, followed by Chinese voters at 20%, Indians at 6.7% and other groups at 7.8%.

On the menteri besar position, Jalaluddin said BN will only decide on its candidate after securing a victory in the state election.

He said BN has several potential candidates capable of leading the state government, but the final decision rests with the coalition leadership.

"Once we achieve success and form the government, the BN leadership will determine who is suitable to be chosen as the menteri besar to lead the state government," he said.

Jalaluddin added that BN will launch its election manifesto on July 24, with the event expected to be officiated by BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in Linggi.

Find out all you need to know about the 2026 Negeri Sembilan election here.