Kuala lumpur: Pakatan Harapan (PH) has set a target of winning at least 23 out of the 36 seats in the Negeri Sembilan state election on August 1 to secure a stronger and more stable mandate to govern the state, according to its deputy chairman Anthony Loke.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke, who is also the DAP secretary-general, stated that the coalition currently holds 17 assembly seats and requires at least 19 seats to form a simple majority. However, he emphasized that a larger mandate is necessary to ensure a stable administration. Loke outlined the coalition's strategy, stating, "Currently we have 17 seats. Seventeen is not enough to form a majority. We need at least 19 for a simple majority. But with 19, anything can happen. So, to be on the safe side, we must aim for PH to win at least 23 seats."

Loke shared that a study had been conducted based on the demographics of the areas and the voters, highlighting that there are seats PH can win, making the target of 23 seats realistic. His remarks were made during a PH dinner, which was attended by DAP national chairman Gobind Singh Deo, Negeri Sembilan DAP secretary Cha Kee Chin, and DAP Women's wing chief Teo Nie Ching.

Loke, who is also Seremban MP and assemblyman for Chennah, said PH seeks a fresh mandate to continue the Negeri Sembilan administration under Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun. He described Aminuddin as a leader capable of leading an inclusive state government. Loke stated, "We want to retain Aminuddin Harun as Menteri Besar because he has done nothing wrong. He is not corrupt, he has not abused his position, and he has always been a humble leader who is willing to work with everyone."

He emphasized that PH represents all races and aims to look after the people of Negeri Sembilan regardless of race or religion. Loke added that a stable government is essential for ensuring continuity in development projects, including efforts to improve connectivity between Seremban and Kuala Lumpur.

At the national level, Loke urged Malaysians to objectively assess Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership. He highlighted the Prime Minister's efforts in strengthening Malaysia's international standing and expanding its diplomatic and economic ties. Loke noted Malaysia's strong relations with countries such as China, the United States, India, Trkiye, Brazil, and Russia, which have supported the country's economic growth.

Loke concluded by urging fairness towards the Prime Minister, noting, "Please be objective. I hope that we all be fair to our Prime Minister. At least, he has represented Malaysia well and has made a lot of effort to improve our foreign relationship with the whole world. That is why Malaysia has not experienced fuel shortages like some other countries. We continue to enjoy a stable supply because we maintain good relations with oil-producing countries."