13/06/2026

SATURDAY | JUNE 13, 2026

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Anwar urges ethics in state elections

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all parties contesting in the upcoming Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections to conduct their campaigns ethically and adhere to election regulations. Speaking to reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Al Hidayah yesterday, Anwar said the Election Commission (EC) must continue to discharge its responsibilities independently and professionally to ensure

key dates for both state elections yesterday. He added that the EC would prioritise completing the Johor election before redeploying its teams to assist in preparations for Negeri Sembilan. “If we conduct them simultaneously, our preparation would not be ready in time.” Ramlan also emphasised that issues concerning the confirmation of the Negeri Sembilan State Assembly dissolution fall outside the EC’s jurisdiction. However, he said the EC had obtained views from the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) on the matter. “We received views from the AGC. At this point, there are no issues on the EC’s side.” – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi community and the nation throughout eight decades of struggle.” Rumah Bangsa is a Umno reunification initiative introduced by its president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to unite Malays and welcome former members back into Umno. Among those who have rejoined Umno through the initiative are former Umno vice president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and former foreign minister Tan Sri Dr Syed Hamid Albar. Former Kelantan Umno chairman Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and former Selangor Umno chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar also returned to the party. – Bernama “Johor has a total of 2,727,926 registered voters, comprising 2,703,175 ordinary voters, 12,041 military personnel and their spouses, and 12,710 police personnel and spouses from the General Operations Force. “Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan has 889,490 registered voters, comprising 867,151 ordinary voters, 16,884 military personnel and their spouses, and 5,455 police personnel.” Ramlan said 42,971 personnel would be deployed for the Johor election, involving 1,140 polling centres and 4,980 voting streams with the election estimated to cost RM86.8 million. Meanwhile in Negeri Sembilan, he said 15,344 personnel would be deployed, involving 439 polling centres and 1,738 voting streams, with an estimated cost of RM80.6 million. “For the 16th Johor state election, a total of 56 nomination centres and official vote tallying centres will be used. “For the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election, a total of eight nomination centres and official vote-tallying centres will be utilised for the election.” Applications for postal voting for Johor opened on June 5, while applications for Negeri Sembilan opened on June 12. For Johor, Category 1A applications close on June 24, while Categories 1B and 1C close on June 19. For Negeri Sembilan, Category 1A closes on July 15, while Categories 1B and 1C close on July 10. All postal voting applications must be submitted online via its official portal at www.spr.gov.my. Voters may check their voting details via the MySPR Semak portal at https://mysprsemak.spr.gov.my, the EC hotline at 03-8892 7218 or the MySPR Semak app, beginning June 23. The hotline operates daily from 9am to 8pm starting June 12 until polling day.

PUTRAJAYA: Logistics constraints and the readiness of election personnel are among the main reasons why the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections are not being held simultaneously. Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun said the dissolution of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly occurred unexpectedly, leaving insufficient preparation time for the electoral process in the state. “The Negeri Sembilan (DUN) was a snap dissolution. So the situation is completely unprepared. “Negeri Sembilan only has polling boxes ready. We need time for our officers to properly focus,” he told reporters after announcing the the smooth conduct of both polls. “The EC has announced the elections following the dissolution of the state assemblies, and now that the campaign period is beginning, I hope all parties will observe the rules and conduct themselves properly. “The EC must carry out its responsibilities well, independently and ensure that the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections proceed smoothly.” He added that he had also reminded his Cabinet colleagues to respect election regulations and uphold ethical campaigning practices. “I spoke to my colleagues after the Cabinet meeting so that they pay attention to the rules and respect ethical campaigning.” he said. Meanwhile in Putrajaya, the EC yesterday announced July 11 as polling day for the 16th Johor state election and Aug 1 as polling day for the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election. The announcement was made by EC chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun during a press conference. “For Johor, the EC has set June 27 as nomination day while early voting will take place on July 7. “Meanwhile, for Negeri Sembilan, nomination day has been fixed for July 18 while early voting will be held on July 28.” The decision was made during a special EC meeting following the dissolution of the 15th Johor State Legislative Assembly on June 2 and the 15th Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly on June 5. Ramlan said the elections would be held to fill all 56 seats in the Johor State Legislative Assembly and 36 seats in the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly. He said the campaign period has been set at 14 days, adding that for Johor, it runs from June 27 until 11.59pm on July 10, while for Negeri Sembilan it runs from July 18 until 11.59pm on July 31.

o EC reminded to be independent, professional for smooth proceedings Ű BY HARITH KAMAL, QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI & FAUZI JASNI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Ramlan (third from left) poses with fellow EC officials at the press conference. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

‘Logistics, manpower limitations reasons behind staggered polls’

Aid mechanism proposed for media veterans IPOH: The government is urged to consider introducing a dedicated aid mechanism for veteran or former media practitioners in recognition of their contributions to the nation’s journalism industry, while also helping to ease their post-retirement financial burdens. Perak Sinar Harian bureau chief Saifullah Ahmad said among the assistance that should be considered is providing access to free treatment at government healthcare facilities, similar to the benefits enjoyed by civil servants. He said the move would not only help reduce medical costs but also serve as a gesture of appreciation for media practitioners who have contributed to information dissemination and national development. He said the card could serve as an official medium enabling holders to enjoy various privileges and facilities, particularly at public institutions and government agencies. “The special card initiative could also be expanded to include various incentives such as discounted airfares and public transport fares to help reduce the cost of living for this group,” he said while sharing suggestions on efforts to safeguard the welfare of veteran media practitioners. Previously, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said state media clubs under Gabungan Kelab Media Malaysia had been asked to submit proposals to strengthen the welfare of former media practitioners, including establishing a more structured mechanism to assist industry veterans.

“Some retired media practitioners face various health issues due to age and work-related stress throughout their careers. Free medical treatment would provide relief.” Echoing the same view, The Star photographer Ronnie Chin Foon Kheng, 53, said some former media practitioners face life challenges as they age, particularly health issues and increasingly limited income. “The government could consider allocating healthcare provisions for this group, including treatment aid, regular health screenings and medical support to ease their burden.” He added that subsistence assistance or special allowances should also be considered for former media practitioners who are no longer working and do not have a fixed income, to help them lead more comfortable lives and cope with the rising cost of living. Meanwhile, Stesen Televisyen Malaysia Berhad (TV3) journalist Shaharil Kadir, 48, suggested introducing a special card for veteran media practitioners to facilitate more systematic delivery of aid and benefits.

Fahmi said the proposals could be considered ahead of National Journalists’ Day celebrations to enable a more systematic framework to be developed for the welfare of former media workers. He also said certain former media practitioners feel marginalised after retirement, while others prefer a more private life, adding that a more structured approach could help those in need of support. The National Journalists’ Day 2026 celebration, scheduled to take place in Penang on June 20, is expected to gather about 1,000 local and foreign media practitioners, with the main event to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. It is celebrated annually on May 29 in conjunction with the publication of the first edition of Utusan Melayu on May 29, 1939, as a tribute to the contributions and services of media practitioners to national development. – Bernama

More than 20,000 return to Umno KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 21,858 individuals, including former party leaders and members, have joined or returned to Umno through the Rumah Bangsa initiative.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the figure was recorded from the official opening of online registration on April 20 until the Umno supreme council meeting last Wednesday. “In less than two months, a total of 21,858 new members and former Umno leaders and members, including leaders from Bersatu nationwide, have registered or rejoined the party. “May Allah bless and shower His mercy upon Rumah Bangsa, which has contributed greatly to shaping and uplifting religion, the Malay