The Negri Sembilan state legislative assembly automatically dissolved today, marking a historic first for the state and probably for the country.

The automatic dissolution is in accordance with the state constitution.

The 36-member assembly, which was sworn in on March 27, 2008, and had its first sitting on April 25, 2008, had served the five-year term, making it the first in the country to automatically dissolve, since the dissolution of Parliament has yet to be announced.

Menteri Besar Mohamad Hasan said that after the dissolution, his state executive committee would continue to function as the caretaker government of the state, as provided for in the state constitution.

He would continue to remain as mentri besar and, together with his exco, see to the day-to-day running of the government.

"There has to be a caretaker government because we will have to pay wages and look into other matters during the period... without a caretaker government, there will be anarchy," Mohamad was quoted as saying by a local daily.

The BN won 21 of the 36 seats in the 12th general election, while DAP won 10, PKR four and PAS, one.

With the dissolution of the state assembly, Negri Sembilan must hold elections for state seats in 60 days.

- Bernama

Related stories

Caretaker gov't guidelines not necessary, says EC

Dr M says automatic dissolution doesn't affect BN

Negri Sembilan MB: No major policies will be decided

EC notified of dissolution of Negri Sembilan assembly

PAS describes GE13 delay as a 'democratic crime'

Waiting in vain for Parliament's dissolution

'If PM wants to serve full term, he should say so'