"Therefore, all BN and PN representatives must maximise their service without compromise in fulfilling the manifesto promises made to the people," he told reporters after the announcement of the unofficial Negeri Sembilan state election results at Wisma UMNO Negeri Sembilan here tonight.

Jalaluddin, who retained the Pertang state seat, said the more than two-thirds majority obtained by BN and PN also showed that the people of Negeri Sembilan had rejected politics of hatred and racial issues, opting instead for stability and prosperity in the state.

Meanwhile, on the formation of the new state government, Jalaluddin said party leaders would first hold discussions to finalise the Menteri Besar candidate before submitting the name to the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan and the state's four Undang for the swearing-in ceremony.

Meanwhile, UMNO Information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the victory should not be overcelebrated, but instead regarded as a mandate to work harder, govern better and ensure the Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto was implemented effectively.

"The people's trust must not be betrayed, and this mandate must not be wasted," she said in a statement today.

She said the political understanding between BN and PN in Negeri Sembilan was also among the key factors behind the victory, with the decision to avoid multi-cornered contests between the two coalitions reflecting political maturity, strategic discipline and clarity of purpose.

According to her, the election also demonstrated that effective communication was one of the key pillars of victory, particularly the ability to understand issues, gauge public sentiment, analyse data and craft the right narrative.

"The campaign is now over, and the real work begins. The government that is formed must serve all the people of Negeri Sembilan regardless of race, religion, locality or political inclination," she said.

-- BERNAMA