KUALA LUMPUR – The 16th Negeri Sembilan state election is shaping up as a battle across generations, with M. Leevineshwaraan, 23, making history as the youngest candidate, while political veterans Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Abd Latif A Tambi of Pakatan Harapan (PH), both aged 70, stand as the oldest contenders in the field.
Leevineshwaraan, representing Bersatu, is contesting the Sri Tanjung state seat in a five-way clash, facing incumbent Datuk Dr G. Rajasekaran of PH, who held the seat with a 3,996-vote majority in the last polls.
His candidacy underscores a youthful push in Negeri Sembilan politics, contrasting sharply with the seasoned presence of Mohamad in Rantau and Abd Latif in Gemencheh, each locked in two-way battles that highlight the breadth of experience at play.
The state election, covering all 36 seats, has drawn 103 candidates, including nine women, with PH fielding the highest number. Sri Tanjung, part of the Port Dickson parliamentary constituency, counts 19,590 registered voters, while Rantau and Gemencheh tally 34,831 and 24,916 voters respectively.
This year’s contest also reflects a subtle shift in demographics and representation. In the 15th PRN (2023), the youngest candidate was Muhammad Syakir Fitri Sadri, 25, who ran as an Independent in Paroi.
At the other end of the spectrum, veteran Independent Bujang Abu, 72, was the oldest candidate, though he will not be contesting this round after failing to meet Election Commission requirements.
The Election Commission has set early voting for July 28 and polling day on August 1, setting the stage for a generational clash that will test voter sentiment from Port Dickson to Rembau, and from youthful newcomers to seasoned political heavyweights. – July 18, 2026
