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THE constitutional and royal crisis that plunged Negri Sembilan into political uncertainty is poised to become the defining issue of the state election campaign, as political parties seek to shape public opinion over one of the most consequential disputes in the state's modern history.
Political observers believe voters’ judgement of how key actors handled the controversy surrounding the state’s monarchy could significantly influence the outcome when Negri Sembilan goes to the polls on August 1.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia political analyst Dr Suffian Mansor said the constitutional dispute is likely to dominate campaigning by both government and opposition parties in the weeks leading up to polling day.
“Negri Sembilan is a unique state where the Adat Perpatih system is important. Any improper handling of the crisis will backfire on the parties who raise the issue (during campaigning),” The Star quoted him saying.
Suffian noted that public sentiment on the ground remains divided, reflecting differing assessments of the state government's response to the controversy.
According to him, some voters have expressed support for the Pakatan Harapan-led administration's management of the crisis.
“But some see that the Pakatan government did not manage the constitutional issue adequately.
“Therefore, it depends on how the parties manage their campaigns when they touch on this issue,” he said.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali said the political ramifications of the royal dispute are unavoidable, particularly following the controversial ceremony proclaiming Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar, which was subsequently ruled unlawful.
“This royal crisis will have an impact on politics,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sunway University political scientist Professor Wong Chin Huat argued that the controversy could potentially undermine Umno’s standing among Malay voters.
“Many Malay voters hold the Ruler in high regard and some may punish Umno for fishing in troubled waters,” he said.
Beyond the royal dispute, Wong said economic concerns are expected to feature prominently throughout the campaign, alongside scrutiny of the government's broader reform agenda.
He said voters would assess Pakatan Harapan's progress in implementing reforms and combating corruption, while also evaluating its handling of sensitive religious matters.
“Some voters may punish Pakatan over these two issues and vote for Bersama or Barisan Nasional.
“But others would see the rise of PAS and Umno as a bigger threat and vote Pakatan as a necessary evil.
“This is the core issue in the Negri Sembilan election and both sides will use it to win support,” Wong said.
The constitutional impasse erupted after the state's four Undang initiated an unprecedented move to depose the reigning Ruler, triggering a political and legal crisis that ultimately forced a fresh mandate from voters.
The Election Commission has fixed July 18 as nomination day, with polling scheduled for August 1 in what is shaping up to be one of Malaysia’s most closely watched state elections. - June 14, 2026
