Actions, not manifestos, should decide Negeri Sembilan vote - Anwar

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on voters in Negeri Sembilan to judge leaders by their ability to deliver tangible results rather than campaign promises, saying integrity, implementation and responsible governance should be the defining measures of political leadership ahead of Saturday's state election.

Addressing separate campaign events in Linggi and Kuala Pilah, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman said governments should be evaluated by their actions rather than their manifestos, adding that the Islamic principle of leadership required deeds to match words.

“In our system of governance, the true measure is not guarantees, statements or manifestos, but our ability to put them into practice.

“That is why, when we are entrusted with responsibility, we must demonstrate it through our actions. We should not merely speak about Islam, but show how we implement its principles,” he said during the Munajat Perdana programme with residents in Linggi on Thursday night.

Anwar said the responsibility entrusted to elected leaders demanded good governance and accountability, warning that abuse of power would ultimately deprive the people of the benefits they deserved.

He singled out Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun for praise, describing him as a trustworthy leader who had governed with integrity and without abusing his authority.

“If there is a leader who is honest, good and free from corruption, yet we reject him, I do not know what the reason could be,” he said.

Anwar said Aminuddin's record of putting the people's interests first justified continued public support for his leadership.

Speaking later at the Kuala Pilah ‘Berselawat and Munajat Perdana programme’ at Dataran Melang, Anwar appealed to Malaysians to continue offering constructive criticism of his administration while rejecting claims that the MADANI Government had achieved nothing.

“Advise me, criticise me, but do not insult us by saying that we have done nothing.

“I am already advanced in age, and I thank God that I remain healthy and have been given the opportunity to continue serving to the best of my ability.

“If there are shortcomings, and of course there will be, then offer your criticism,” he said.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that every administration had weaknesses but said the government should be given the opportunity to rectify shortcomings inherited from previous administrations.

He said the MADANI Government remained committed to strengthening the position of Malays requiring assistance while advancing Islamic values through practical policies rather than political rhetoric.

Anwar also defended the government's efforts to cushion Malaysians from rising living costs, highlighting the reduction of RON95 petrol prices to RM1.99 per litre despite annual fuel subsidy commitments of approximately RM40 billion.

“So every time you fill up your tank, remember that the government is bearing the cost because we do not want to burden the people. Import costs are high and the cost of living remains high.

“To the best of my ability, our government is working to reduce these burdens under the current circumstances,” he said.

Turning to matters involving Negeri Sembilan's royal institution, Anwar reaffirmed that the Federal Government would continue to uphold the constitutional monarchy while refraining from interfering in the process involving the state's Undang Luak.

He said any disagreements concerning the traditional institution should be resolved strictly through the mechanisms provided under Negeri Sembilan's customary laws and legal framework.

“We are seeking discussions. The State Government will seek confirmation, and the legitimate Menteri Besar will have an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan. That is our decision.

“Are we denying the Undang system? No. If the Undang wishes to make a decision, let it be done according to its rules. If there is disagreement, there is the Dewan Keadilan. If that does not resolve the matter, it can be taken to court. I have never interfered in that process,” he said.

Anwar said it was the Federal Government's constitutional duty to protect the existing royal institution while allowing any disputes to proceed through the appropriate legal and customary channels.

“Until that process is concluded, it is my responsibility as head of the Federal Government, together with the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief Secretary to the Government and the Attorney General, to defend the existing constitutional system and uphold the reigning Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

“Am I rejecting the Undang? No. I know the limits of my authority,” he said.

He stressed that the monarchy must never be treated as though it were part of partisan politics, describing the institution as a cornerstone of Malaysia's constitutional system.

“The royal institution is extremely important. If tomorrow we were to treat the monarchy like a political party, where people could contest and challenge one another, then it would no longer be a monarchy.

“I want to explain this because our country must uphold the royal institution, with the Ruler serving as the protector of the state and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the protector of the nation,” he said.

Anwar also reminded political leaders and the public to observe proper etiquette when engaging with the monarchy, saying differences of opinion should always be expressed respectfully.

“Sometimes we may have differing views. When I have an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, what do I say? ‘Your Majesty, I humbly seek your pardon and respectfully hope that this matter may be reconsidered.’

“That is the proper way. It is not a matter of seeking to depose a ruler or remove a monarch from the throne. That is simply not how it should be done,” he said. - July 31, 2026