UMNO vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin has dismissed suggestions that Negeri Sembilan could immediately dissolve its State Legislative Assembly following Johor’s move to do so, stressing that the state’s constitutional process is far more complex.
The Defence Minister said any decision to dissolve the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly (DUN) must comply with specific legal and constitutional requirements involving the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan and the state’s four Undang Luak.
“I actually did not want to respond because I want to preserve good relations within the Unity Government, but the reality is that it cannot happen in such a manner,” he said during a meet-and-greet session with taxi and rental car drivers at the Tun Sri Lanang Bus and Taxi Terminal.
According to Khaled, unlike other states, no single individual has the authority to decide on the dissolution of the assembly.
“In Negeri Sembilan, no one can act on their own. The matter requires the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, and His Royal Highness also cannot act alone because the decision must involve the Four Undang,” he explained.
He was responding to remarks by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, who was reported as saying that Negeri Sembilan would be prepared to dissolve its assembly if Johor took the first step.
Loke, who is also the Member of Parliament for Seremban, reportedly said the state could dissolve its assembly “tomorrow” should Johor proceed with a state election.
Elaborating further, Khaled reiterated that any move towards a state election in Negeri Sembilan would require consensus between the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Four Undang.
“If the Four Undang and the Yang di-Pertuan Besar agree, then the assembly can be dissolved. If there is no agreement, then there will be no state election in Negeri Sembilan,” he said.
The debate comes after Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly with immediate effect to pave the way for the 16th Johor state election.
Under election laws, the Election Commission has up to 60 days from the date of dissolution to conduct the state polls.
In the 2022 Johor state election, Barisan Nasional secured a commanding victory by winning 40 of the 56 seats contested, allowing it to form the state government.
Pakatan Harapan won 12 seats, with DAP securing 10 seats while PKR and Amanah won one seat each. Perikatan Nasional captured three seats, while MUDA won one seat.
The latest exchange highlights growing political attention on the timing of upcoming state elections, particularly as Johor prepares to head back to the polls.
