This state election will be decisive in shaping the fate of state governance and the future of Anwar Ibrahim’s federal coalition and leadership. As the caretaker menteri besar Aminuddin Harun described, it is a “live and death” test for the Madani government.
The reasons are simple, although the context is complicated:
1. Weight of incumbency:
Negeri Sembilan has been governed by the prime minister’s party and coalition since 2018, making the contest a direct test for Pakatan Harapan’s governance. Since 2022, Negeri Sembilan has used the Madani label for its programmes, heightening the tie to Anwar’s leadership.
Incumbency usually gives an...