KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 -- PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man yesterday described the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election as the start of a "new political alignment" in Malaysia, Berita Harian reported.

He said Perikatan Nasional's (PN) decision to field candidates in 11 state constituencies completed the political picture following Umno's withdrawal of support for the state government.

Speaking at PN's Negeri Sembilan state election candidate announcement ceremony in Seremban, Tuan Ibrahim said the coalition's slate complemented Barisan Nasional's (BN) decision to field candidates in 25 constituencies.

"This state election is an important prelude, a new political alignment for Malaysia. BN announced 25 state seats...