PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged political leaders across the political divide to stop using the Negeri Sembilan royal institution as a campaign issue, warning that attempts to politicise the state's constitutional rulers risk undermining public confidence in Malaysia's system of Constitutional Monarchy.
Addressing the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Negeri Sembilan state election candidate announcement ceremony at Dataran Melang in Kuala Pilah on Tuesday night, Anwar said all matters involving the royal institution must continue to be governed strictly by the Federal Constitution and existing laws, rather than political narratives.
"I want to make this clear so that this matter is not turned into political games. We must honour the royal institution because it is one of the pillars of the country's Constitution.
"We do not want the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, the Undang Yang Empat or the Tunku Besar of Tampin to be dragged into this election... it is not relevant. This system must be preserved and we must never violate the principles of the Constitution.
"Whatever decisions are made must be based on constitutional law and the law of the land. So long as the system remains unchanged, we are duty-bound to respect the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, the Undang Yang Empat and the Tunku Besar of Tampin," he said.
The Prime Minister, who also serves as Pakatan Harapan chairman, said he was firmly opposed to any attempt to turn the monarchy into a subject of political dispute, arguing that such actions would only weaken respect for the Constitutional Monarchy and erode public trust in the country's constitutional framework.
"Do not use this issue during the election. It is not about fear or concern, but about our responsibility to defend the Constitutional Monarchy and the country's Constitution.
"If we begin turning this into a political issue, there will be no end to it," he stressed.
Anwar also appealed to political parties to conduct the campaign responsibly by avoiding racial and religious rhetoric or making unfounded accusations against opponents in pursuit of electoral support.
He reaffirmed that the Federal Government remained fully committed to upholding the principles enshrined in the Federal Constitution, including the Constitutional Monarchy, Islam as the religion of the Federation, Malay as the national language, and the special position of the Malays and Bumiputera.
"I appeal for us to compete politically in a healthy manner. There is no need to slander or insult others because of race or religion.
"Malaysia is a multi-racial country and we must continue to uphold the principles enshrined in the Constitution," he said.
Turning to Negeri Sembilan's future, Anwar said the state required capable and principled leadership to sustain its development and prosperity, expressing confidence that Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun was well placed to continue leading the state in close alignment with the Federal Government.
"I am confident Tok Min can lead Negeri Sembilan even better because the state is aligned with the Federal Government.
"This state should not be left behind in any aspect. Instead, it should continue to grow and prosper like other states so that the benefits are enjoyed by all the people," he said.
Among those present at the event were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, PH election director Datuk Seri Amiruddin Shaari and PH information chief Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadhil. - July 15, 2026
