UMNO vice president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has rejected assertions that the Negeri Sembilan state assembly could be dissolved immediately in line with Johor’s recent move, saying such claims ignore the state’s constitutional and legal framework.
He stressed that the dissolution process in Negeri Sembilan is not straightforward and cannot be carried out unilaterally, as it involves the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan and the Undang Yang Empat.
“I actually do not want to respond because I want to maintain relations (with the Unity Government), but the reality is that it cannot happen that way.
“In Negeri Sembilan, one cannot act alone. The matter must receive the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, and His Majesty cannot act alone as well, as it must be done together with the Undang Yang Empat,” he said.
Khaled was responding to remarks made by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook during the Pakatan Harapan convention in Johor Bahru on May 17, where Loke reportedly suggested that Negeri Sembilan could dissolve its state assembly “immediately” if Johor took the lead in doing so.
Loke, who is also the Member of Parliament for Seremban, was previously reported as saying that Negeri Sembilan could dissolve its state assembly “tomorrow” if Johor initiated the process first.
On Monday, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the dissolution of the Johor state assembly, paving the way for the 16th state election.
In the 15th Johor state election held in March 2022, Barisan Nasional formed the state government after winning 40 of the 56 seats. Pakatan Harapan secured 12 seats, with DAP winning 10, while PKR and Amanah each secured one seat.
The latest exchange highlights ongoing political speculation over whether Johor’s move could trigger similar decisions in other states, although Negeri Sembilan authorities have not signalled any formal steps toward dissolution. - June 2, 2026
