IPOH, July 19, 2026 — Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a clear directive to all ministers, deputy ministers, and heads of federal government agencies to maintain strict discipline during the Negeri Sembilan state election campaign.
In a statement shared on X, Anwar reminded government office-holders that they are free to campaign and contest on state-level issues, but must never use their federal positions to attack fellow members of the MADANI unity government.
“Campaign and fight over state issues. Never use your federal-level position to attack colleagues who are also part of the MADANI Government,” Anwar said.
“If anyone chooses to do so, then it is appropriate for them to relinquish their position,” he added.
Anwar stressed that those holding federal positions are bound by discipline. He noted that he had discussed the matter with Deputy Prime Ministers Dato’ Seri De. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof.
The warning comes as coalition partners at the federal level — particularly Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) — are contesting against each other in the Negeri Sembilan polls, a situation Anwar described as acceptable in a democratic system, provided it remains focused on state matters and does not undermine the federal government.
He cautioned that turning the campaign into a platform to criticise the federal administration would create a “damaging political landscape.”
The 16th Negeri Sembilan state election will be held on August 1, 2026, with nominations having closed on July 18. A total of 103 candidates are contesting the 36 state seats. The official campaign period runs until July 31.
PH and BN, despite being partners in the federal unity government, are fielding candidates across the state, creating direct contests in many constituencies. Early voting is scheduled for July 28.
Anwar’s statement aims to prevent internal friction within the MADANI coalition from escalating during the campaign period and to ensure that federal office-holders do not weaponise their positions against coalition allies.
The Prime Minister urged all parties to focus their campaigns on issues relevant to the people of Negeri Sembilan while preserving cordial relations at both federal and state levels to continue delivering effective governance.
This directive reinforces Anwar’s repeated calls for clean, issue-based campaigning ahead of the August 1 polls.
About The Author
