Negeri Sembilan State Assembly Dissolution Returns Mandate To People, Says Analyst

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Bernama) -- The dissolution of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly is seen as the best option to pave the way for the people to elect a new government that commands a clear mandate and strong support to govern the state.

Political analyst Dr Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun’s decision to request the dissolution of the state legislative assembly was likely influenced by his view that the state government required strong and comprehensive support to ensure smooth administration.

He said that If a government feels it no longer has sufficient support, it would be appropriate for the mandate to be returned to the people to decide.

“He (Aminuddin) believes that for a government to function smoothly in administering the state, it must have strong support, and since he feels he has not secured a comprehensive mandate, it is better for the State Legislative Assembly to be dissolved and the mandate returned to the people.

“The people can decide better party to form a new government with a fresh mandate and strong support from assemblymen, ensuring a stronger and more stable government,” he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Malaysia Petang Ini programme here today.

The Negeri Sembilan State Assembly, which has 36 seats, was officially dissolved today, paving the way for the 16th State Election.

Aminuddin, who is also Negeri Sembilan Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, announced the matter at a special press conference at his official residence last night following consent from the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, thus ending weeks of speculation over the dissolution of the State Assembly.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani said that although an institution may still be functioning, the situation should not continue if the government does not have strong support from assemblymen.

Commenting on the role of the state government following the dissolution of the State Assembly, he said the interim government has limited powers and may only proceed with matters that had been approved previously.

He said the interim government cannot table a new budget or increase allocations to any party during the period, and is instead limited to carrying out existing administrative affairs until a new government is formed after the election.

The 15th State Election in 2023 saw PH and Barisan Nasional form the Negeri Sembilan government after securing a combined 31 of the 36 state seats.

Of the total seats, PH won 17, BN secured 14, while Perikatan Nasional won the remaining five seats.

--BERNAMA