“We believe that the people want stability, and in Negeri Sembilan, the priority is economic development and job opportunities. The people of Negeri Sembilan will choose a government that can help them,” Zahid said.

His comments came in the wake of a claim by PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin who said he was confident his coalition could secure up to 80% of votes, particularly from Malays, in the state elections due after June.

“We do not need to entertain such propaganda,” Zahid told reporters at a Hari Raya open house in Tampin today, Bernama reported. “Let the people make the best choice.”

“They (the opposition) have to change their tactics not only in Negeri Sembilan but also in Penang and Selangor,” said Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman.

He said the coalition will field more young candidates in the coming state elections to rejuvenate the party and provide opportunities for newcomers.

He said this strategy proved successful in the Melaka and Johor state elections, where BN emerged victorious by fielding a majority of fresh and young faces.

“In Melaka, we presented 82% new faces, 67% of whom were young people. The same was done in Johor, where 74% were new faces, and the state is led by young individuals,” he said.

Asked about a claim that a Melaka assemblyman from Umno will join PAS, Zahid said he would meet the assemblyman soon.