THE Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, has affirmed that the absence of customary state dignitaries during the opening of the state legislative assembly does not undermine the legitimacy or smooth conduct of proceedings, amid heightened attention on the state’s royal institution.
Delivering his royal address at the opening of the First Meeting of the Fourth Term of the 15th State Legislative Assembly, Tuanku Muhriz stressed that governance must continue uninterrupted in the interest of the people.
“I pray to Allah that my state and my people will continue to be blessed with well-being and live in harmony under the leadership of the Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, together with the state executive council.
“I am deeply grateful that the strong cooperation within my government has continued to show excellent performance in 2025,” he said.
He was accompanied by the Tunku Ampuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud. Notably, the Undang Yang Empat and the Tunku Besar of Tampin were absent from the ceremony.
Tuanku Muhriz also issued a reminder to those entrusted with positions of authority to carry out their responsibilities with integrity and sound judgement.
“Every action and decision taken must be based on established guidelines and laws. Never make decisions or take actions driven solely by desire and emotion,” he said.
He warned that failure to adhere to these principles could undermine administrative integrity and the well-being of the state.
The ruler further called on the public, particularly social media users, to act responsibly in sharing information.
“Do not be too quick to believe and spread any news without proper investigation and verification.
“A hasty and irresponsible attitude in disseminating information can have negative consequences for society and the state,” he said.
Alongside his governance message, Tuanku Muhriz highlighted encouraging economic indicators for the state, noting that Negeri Sembilan’s gross domestic product rose to RM54.3 billion in 2024, representing a 4.6 per cent increase from RM51.9 billion the previous year.
The services sector remained the largest contributor at 52.8 per cent, followed by manufacturing at 37.6 per cent, while state revenue reached RM785.2 million, recording a surplus of RM203.25 million and marking a fourth consecutive year of budget surplus.
“The investment value of RM19.1 billion in 2025 is also my state’s best record in attracting investment into Negeri Sembilan, far surpassing the previous record of RM10.1 billion in 2023.
“Therefore, I call for various initiatives in the industrial sector in new development areas to be intensified so that Negeri Sembilan remains competitive as a major investment destination in Malaysia,” he said.
He added that the Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 initiative continues to gain momentum, with 12 new industrial zones expected to generate a gross development value of RM40.427 billion across 8,593 acres, further strengthening the state’s investment appeal.
Tuanku Muhriz also underscored the state’s success in maintaining zero hardcore poverty for four consecutive years since 2023, describing it as a reflection of sustained government commitment rather than merely a statistical achievement.
“I emphasise that efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty should not be seen merely as a numerical achievement, but rather as a manifestation of the government’s concern for the dignity and well-being of the people.
“Each head of household who has been successfully assisted represents the restoration of a family’s future. In this regard, I want these efforts to be continued more aggressively, in a focused and integrity-driven manner, ensuring that no one is left behind or overlooked,” the Ruler said.
He noted that thousands of households had been lifted out of the hardcore poverty category in recent years, with continued progress recorded into early 2026. - April 23, 2026
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