KUALA PILAH – Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to all political players ahead of the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election, demanding a complete halt to attacks on the royal institutions and the Federal Constitution.
The Prime Minister stressed that while political rivalry is a staple of democracy, it must be executed with responsibility rather than divisive tactics and outright slander.
“We can engage in political battles, but we cannot spread slander. We can have different views, but let us not undermine the institutions that form the foundation of the country,” Anwar declared during his speech at the PH candidate announcement ceremony here last night.
The high-octane event was heavily attended by the coalition’s top brass, including DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, PH Communications Director Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, and PH Election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Anwar emphasized that Negeri Sembilan voters deserve clean leadership rooted in integrity to drive the state’s economic and social development. Rallying the coalition’s grassroots, he urged the PH machinery to fight for the future of the next generation and secure a decisive mandate.
“I am confident Negeri Sembilan can continue to move forward in tandem with the federal government. Negeri Sembilan must not be left behind,” he added.
Throwing his full weight behind caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, Anwar praised his leadership, describing him as a highly cooperative leader dedicated to the people’s welfare.
The Prime Minister officially unveiled PH’s 36-candidate lineup, showcasing a strategic mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces from PKR, DAP, and Amanah. Highlighting the coalition’s heavyweight line-up, Anwar confirmed that Aminuddin will contest the Linggi state seat, while Anthony Loke will defend Chennah.
The 16th Negeri Sembilan state election, scheduled for August 1, 2026, was triggered more than two years early following a snap dissolution of the state assembly.
The sudden political shakeup was prompted by a state leadership crisis after several assemblymen withdrew their support for caretaker Pakatan Harapan (PH) Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
Tensions were further compounded by a local constitutional crisis involving Negeri Sembilan’s unique monarchy system, where the state ruler is elected and can be deposed by a council of four traditional territorial chiefs (Undangs).
With the previous PH-Barisan Nasional (BN) ruling pact dissolved, the upcoming election has evolved into a highly volatile, multi-cornered battleground as PH and BN campaign independently.
Analysts view the 36-seat contest as a critical bellwether for national political sentiment, pointing to the state’s diverse demographics and a high density of marginal seats where a shift of just a few hundred votes could completely upend the balance of power. – July 15, 2026