SEREMBAN, June 4 — The Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly, which has 36 seats, will be officially dissolved tomorrow to pave the way for the upcoming State Election (PRN).

The announcement was made by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun during a special press conference at his official residence here tonight, bringing an end to weeks of speculation surrounding the timing of the assembly’s dissolution.

Aminuddin said the dissolution was carried out after obtaining the consent of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, during an audience at Istana Besar Seri Menanti earlier today. — Bernama

KUALA PILAH, June 5 — The Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir today performed Friday prayers at Masjid Kariah Gunung Pasir in Seri Menanti.

His Royal Highness was accompanied by his sons, Tunku Besar of Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin and Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin.

The prayers were led by Masjid Kariah Gunung Pasir's Imam 1, Wan Muhammad Saifuddin Wan Salim.

After the prayers, Tuanku Muhriz attended a luncheon with more than 500 members of the public at Luak Tanah Mengandung. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — PAS leaders will meet next week to determine the party’s approach to the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, including whether to explore new political alignments, as Perikatan Nasional (PN) weighs its options ahead of the back-to-back contests.

Harian Metro reported that PN chairman and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said no decisions had been made on forming any new alliances, stressing that discussions within PAS’ top leadership would take place before the matter is brought to the coalition level.

“So far, there has been no decision (to join a new alignment). It is normal during the election process for us to conduct analyses and so on, but no decision has been made regarding any alignment,” he told reporters after launching PAS Kedah’s election machinery at the Kedah PAS Complex in Kota Sarang Semut, Yan, last night.

“PAS’ top leadership will hold discussions next week to determine how we will move forward. We will first discuss the matter among ourselves before convening a meeting with PN.”

The remarks also come ahead of a Reset convention in Tanah Merah, Kelantan, which PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang is scheduled to officiate later today.

Reset is led by former Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, fuelling speculation over whether the movement could align itself with PN ahead of the upcoming state polls.

Ahmad Samsuri, who is also a PAS vice-president and Terengganu menteri besar, said PN had yet to receive any formal application from Reset and that any move to join the coalition would have to follow the established process.

“There have been no official discussions about Reset joining PN. There have only been informal discussions. We have also held discussions with Umno because each side has its own leadership, but no decisions were reached during those meetings.

“The same applies to Reset — no decision has been made. We will wait. If they wish to join PN, they must submit an application. The same goes for any other party that wants to be part of PN; they will have to apply,” he said.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding potential alliances, Ahmad Samsuri expressed confidence that PN remained electorally competitive.

“The PN brand has gone through various elections, including by-elections and the Sabah state election, so it is already a well-established brand and we do not foresee any problems heading into this election. The same goes for the PAS brand, which is also firmly established. There should not be any issues,” he said.

He acknowledged, however, that the upcoming state polls presented a different set of challenges compared with previous contests.

“The only difference this time is that the situation is somewhat unusual compared to previous state elections, as these polls are being held consecutively in different states.

“As such, PAS and PN need to make more careful considerations while we continue to assess the best approach,” he said.

Election Commission chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun announced yesterday that Johor voters will head to the polls on July 11, with nomination day set for June 27 and early voting on July 7.

Negeri Sembilan will follow on August 1, with nominations scheduled for July 18 and early voting on July 28.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) secretary Raja Norazli Raja Nordin has reportedly rejected his indefinite suspension by several Negeri Sembilan ruling chiefs, saying the move had no legal effect.

According to The Star, Raja Norazli said in a letter dated today that he was appointed by Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir and remained bound to carry out the duties entrusted to him unless instructed otherwise by the state ruler.

“Such is the nature of my office. I am duty-bound to abide by and execute the duties and responsibilities entrusted to me until commanded otherwise by the state Ruler,” he was quoted as saying.

“Any action directed against me constitutes an affront intended to usurp the constitutional powers of the state ruler and is devoid of legal effect,” he reportedly added.

The letter was reportedly addressed to the Undang of Jelebu, Undang of Johol, Undang of Rembau, Tunku Besar Tampin, Datuk Shahbandar Sungei Ujong and Datuk Mubarak Dohak.

The six had on May 29 announced the purported indefinite suspension of Raja Norazli, accusing him of failing to convene a special DKU meeting to discuss the state’s ongoing royal and adat crisis.

They claimed the meeting had the support of six of the DKU’s eight members and said an interim committee would carry out the secretary’s duties.

Raja Norazli, however, said the DKU could not be properly constituted without Tuanku Muhriz, who was not present at the May 29 meeting, and that any meeting called contrary to established procedures would be unconstitutional and void.

He reportedly also said he could not convene the meeting because the six had earlier filed an originating summons against him, the DKU and the state government, and that holding such a meeting could affect ongoing court proceedings.

The DKU is the highest body governing matters related to Negeri Sembilan’s ruling chiefs.

The dispute is linked to the removal of Mubarak as Undang of Sungei Ujong, which was officially announced after a DKU special sitting on April 17 but took effect from May 13 last year.

Mubarak has since challenged his removal.

The crisis widened after Mubarak and several ruling chiefs announced the removal of Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar, a move rejected by the state government.

The dispute now involves overlapping questions over the ruling chiefs’ authority, the role of the state ruler, DKU procedure and pending court action.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — The finalisation of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) seat allocation for the upcoming Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections will only be concluded after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim returns from his overseas trip, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.

The home minister and PH secretary-general said the matter would be brought to the coalition’s presidential council for endorsement, which is expected to be chaired by Anwar upon his return, according to a report by English daily The Star yesterday.

Saifuddin Nasution said the list of allocations would be tabled for confirmation at that meeting before any formal announcement is made.

“After that process, only then will it be official,” he said when asked about the progress of negotiations during the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly.

He added that earlier disputes involving overlapping claims for certain seats in Johor had already been resolved at the secretariat level.

“We managed to settle that during the Johor secretariat meeting,” he said.

Johor and Negeri Sembilan’s state assemblies were dissolved on June 1 and June 5 respectively, paving the way for the upcoming polls.

Saifuddin Nasution also touched on administrative matters, saying existing MyKad stock would continue to be used despite the expiry of a supply contract earlier this month, in a move aimed at avoiding wastage.

He said around 35,000 applications are received monthly for identity cards for Malaysians turning 12, adding that the rollout of new cards would be managed in a cost-efficient manner.

On the proposed 10-year Malaysian passport, Saifuddin said the government would announce the launch date at a later stage.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — The move to rebrand and the implementation of various initiatives prove that the MADANI Government will not stopped striving to improve the Form Six programme.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the effort included rebranding to improve the image, system and quality of education on par with other post-secondary education.

“The Form Six programme is indeed very special and close to our hearts. We have implemented various initiatives to continue to elevate this programme,” she said in a Facebook post yesterday. 

According to her, initiatives such as Early Schooling Assistance (BAP), the establishment of the National Form Six Student Representative Committee and strategic collaborations with public higher education institutions were implemented specifically to support Form Six students.

She said the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) has high value and is recognised not only at the national level, but also by more than 2,000 international universities.

Earlier, she greeted Form Six students who had just registered at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tuanku Muhammad, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.

“Congratulations everyone. You have taken another step forward in your efforts to achieve excellence,” she said. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — The Election Commission (EC) will hold a special meeting on June 12 to discuss the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election.

EC secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said the meeting, which coincides with the 16th Johor state election special meeting, will be held following the dissolution of the 15th Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly last Friday.

He said the meeting would be chaired by EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun who would discuss important dates for the Negeri Sembilan state election.

“Among them are the date of the writ of election, nomination day, polling day, electoral roll to be used and other preparations to carry out the election,” he said in a statement today.

Khairul Shahril said a press conference would be held immediately after the special meeting.

The 36-seat Negeri Sembilan assembly was officially dissolved last Friday to pave the way for the election. — Bernama 

PUTRAJAYA, June 5 — Barisan Nasional (BN) is ready for the Negeri Sembilan state election and remains open to continuing its cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) to retain the unity government in the state, its chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.

However, Ahmad Zahid said it was still too early to hold formal discussions on any electoral cooperation between the two coalitions.

“We are prepared for the Negeri Sembilan state election and, of course, remain very open to continuing the unity government in the state,” he told reporters after visiting the exhibition site for National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Day 2026 at Dataran Putrajaya here today.

The deputy prime minister’s remarks came a day after Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun announced the dissolution of the 36-seat State Legislative Assembly to pave the way for the 16th state election.

In the 2023 state election, PH and BN formed the Negeri Sembilan government after securing a combined 31 of the 36 seats contested.

PH won 17 seats, followed by BN with 14, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) secured five seats.

Negeri Sembilan became the second state to dissolve its legislative assembly for a fresh election after Johor, which dissolved its State Legislative Assembly on Monday. — Bernama

JUNE 4 — The Negeri Sembilan State Secretary’s Office has rightly referred to Article 25 (XXV) of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 on the power to suspend, terminate, replace or appoint the Dewan Keadilan Undang (DKU). 

Article 25 reads as follows:

His Highness may from time to time appoint a Secretary to the [DKU] who shall hold office during His pleasure.

Reference has to be made also to the Eleventh Schedule of the Federal Constitution where section 29 provides as follows:

Clearly the power to appoint includes the power to suspend, among others. — Picture by Yusof Isa

“Where a written law confers upon any person or authority a power to make appointments to any office or place, the power shall, unless the contrary intention appears, be construed as including a power to dismiss or suspend any person appointed and to appoint another person temporarily in the place of any person so suspended or in place of any sick or absent holder of such office or place:

“Provided that where the power of such person or authority to make such appointment is only exercisable upon the recommendation or subject to the approval or consent of some other person or authority, such power of dismissal shall, unless the contrary intention appears, only be exercisable upon the recommendation or subject to the approval or consent of such other person or authority.”

Clearly the power to appoint includes the power to suspend, among others.

The power to suspend any person appointed lies in the person who has the power to appoint such person.

*This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — The Negeri Sembilan State Secretary’s Office today said no party other than Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir has the power to suspend, terminate, replace or appoint the Dewan Keadilan Undang (DKU) secretary.

In a statement, the State Secretary’s Office said the DKU secretary is appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and holds office for as long as it pleases the ruler, as provided under Clause 25 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

It said the DKU is a constitutional institution headed by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar under Clauses 16, 17 and 19 of the state constitution.

“Therefore, any sitting or meeting held without the consent of DYMM Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan cannot be regarded as a DKU sitting,” it said.

The statement comes after several Negeri Sembilan ruling chiefs announced the purported indefinite suspension of DKU secretary Raja Norazli Raja Nordin on May 29.

They had accused him of failing to convene a special DKU meeting to discuss the state’s ongoing royal and customary dispute, and said an interim committee would carry out the secretary’s duties.

Raja Norazli today rejected the suspension, saying he was appointed by Tuanku Muhriz and remained duty-bound to carry out his responsibilities unless instructed otherwise by the state ruler.

The dispute is linked to the removal of Datuk Mubarak Dohak as Undang of Sungei Ujong, which was officially announced after a DKU special sitting on April 17 but took effect from May 13 last year.

The crisis later widened after Mubarak and several ruling chiefs announced the purported removal of Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar, a move that Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the state government did not recognise.

BATU PAHAT, June 6 — Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) Annual Congress has been postponed to Aug 14-16 to allow the party to focus on preparations for the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.

PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the decision was made at the party’s monthly Political Bureau and Central Leadership Council (MPP) meeting held here today.

He said the congress, originally scheduled for June 26-28, would still be held at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh, Melaka.

“The postponement will provide PKR Johor and Negeri Sembilan with more time to strengthen preparations for the upcoming state polls,” he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said the meeting also appointed Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and PKR Johor chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa as vice-presidents.

“The appointments are aimed at further strengthening the party’s organisation and operations at the central level,” he said. — Bernama

KUALA PILAH, June 10 — Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir today proclaimed his second son Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin as the holder of the hereditary title of Putera Yang Empat, Tunku Panglima Besar of Negeri Sembilan, with immediate effect.

The proclamation ceremony was held in the Balairong Seri, Istana Besar Seri Menanti, with Tunku Ampuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud and Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz in attendance.

Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and heads of state departments.

The proclamation was made to fill the vacancy in the hereditary title of Tunku Panglima Besar of Negeri Sembilan, which was previously held by Tunku Datuk Seri Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar.

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Comptroller of Royal Household Datuk Azizi Mohamad Ali, in a statement, said His Royal Highness expressed confidence that Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin, in his capacity as Tunku Panglima Besar, will continue to play an important role in upholding the sovereignty of the Royal Institution of Negeri Sembilan and safeguarding the interests of the people and the state.

Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin, 44, is a passionate advocate for constitutional restoration and institutional reform in Malaysia, striving to create a fairer nation where every Malaysian has the opportunity to thrive.

He was educated at Alice Smith School in Kuala Lumpur, Marlborough College in the United Kingdom, and the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he earned his MSc in Comparative Politics. He has worked with the UK Parliament, the World Bank, and the United Nations, and is an Eisenhower Fellow.

He is especially dedicated to education and to developing the potential of young Malaysians. He also serves as Chancellor of UCSI University, Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), and President of ICAN College.

As a Trustee of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation and Patron of the Negeri Sembilan Schools Arts and Culture Programme, Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin actively champions greater access to quality education, holistic learning, and the nurturing of well-rounded future leaders.

Through these important roles and various education-focused foundations, he works tirelessly to strengthen Malaysia’s education system and open doors of opportunity for the next generation. — Bernama