PH losing in Negeri Sembilan could affect unity govt’s survival, says Loke

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook did not rule out PH negotiating with other coalitions after the Negeri Sembilan election if it falls short of the seats needed to form the state government.PETALING JAYA: A defeat for Pakatan Harapan in Saturday's Negeri Sembilan state election could have "big implications" for the survival of the federal government, says DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook.Loke said while Barisan Nasional leaders had repeatedly assured PH that the coalition would remain in the unity government until the end of its term in early 2028, political developments could change.Nonetheless, he said, PH will focus on winning to ensure continuity and stability, as one cannot predict what will happen.Describing politics as evolving, Loke told The Edge in an interview that certain politicians will strike "when they see opportunities"."... so, this is something which, of course, we know," he said.He also said political survival ultimately comes down to electoral strength."Politicians will only speak the language of strength. If you do not have electoral strength and political strength, then we are, of course, on the chopping board," he said.He was responding to speculation that a strong BN performance in Negeri Sembilan could trigger moves for a vote of no confidence against the federal unity government.The unity government was formed after the 2022 general election, when no coalition won enough seats to form a government on its own.PH, which secured the most parliamentary seats, later formed an administration with BN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and several other parties.Loke also refused to rule out PH negotiating with other coalitions after the Negeri Sembilan election if it fails to secure enough seats to form the state government."I think it’s premature to say anything like that now because no coalition and no party will ever rule out anything in the current Malaysian political situation," he said."Every party wants to win on their own.

But if you don't have enough seats, then post-election, you have to sit down and negotiate. So I think this is a permanent feature after the last general election," he said.On PH's working relationship with BN in the unity government, the transport minister admitted that it remained challenging despite both parties sharing power at the federal level.Asked how he managed ties with Umno leaders i…