Negeri Sembilan heads to polls as 36-seat assembly dissolves

NEGERI Sembilan will officially enter election mode on Friday after the dissolution of its 36-seat State Legislative Assembly, a move that clears the way for the state's next electoral contest and ends weeks of speculation over the timing of the polls.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun announced the dissolution during a special press conference at his official residence on Thursday night, confirming that royal consent had been granted by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

The approval followed an audience at Istana Besar Seri Menanti earlier in the day, allowing the state government to formally bring the current legislative term to an end and return the mandate to the electorate.

Bernama cited that the dissolution takes effect on June 5 and marks the beginning of the process leading to a state election, with the Election Commission expected to announce nomination and polling dates after receiving formal notification from the state government.

Speaking at the briefing, Aminuddin said the Election Commission would be informed immediately.

"Notice will be sent to the Election Commission (EC) tomorrow (June 5). The EC will determine the nomination date and polling day.

"The dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly returns the mandate to the people to determine the direction of the state administration through an election.

"Previously, there were parties who initially supported the state government and later withdrew their support," he said.

His remarks suggest that changing political dynamics within the assembly played a role in the decision to seek a fresh mandate from voters rather than continue governing amid uncertainty over legislative support.

The upcoming election will be the first state-wide test of political strength in Negeri Sembilan since the August 2023 state election, which delivered a governing majority to the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional alliance.

In that contest, Pakatan Harapan won 17 seats while Barisan Nasional secured 14 seats, giving the coalition control of the 36-member assembly. Perikatan Nasional won the remaining five seats.

The assembly was originally scheduled to continue until September 2028, making the dissolution significantly earlier than the maximum constitutional term.

Political attention will now focus on the Election Commission's announcement of the electoral timetable, a decision that will formally launch campaigning and determine when Negeri Sembilan voters return to the ballot box to choose the state's next government. - June 4, 2026