14/07/2026

TUESDAY | JULY 14, 2026

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Selangor Sultan witnesses realisation of vision with ride on LRT 3 SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah witnessed the realisation of a vision he first championed more than a decade ago when he travelled on the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) Shah Alam Line yesterday.

stations – Tropicana, Temasya, Raja Muda, Bukit Raja and Bandar Botanik – would be completed soon as they would benefit residents, particularly the majority Malay population in the surrounding areas. He also congratulated Prasarana on the successful implementation and operation of the LRT3. The Sultan conveyed his appreciation to Prasarana, MRCB and everyone involved in delivering the project. According to the statement, more than 13,000 people had contributed their expertise, dedication and commitment throughout its implementation, while an average of 8,000 personnel were deployed at worksites during the 10-year and nine-month construction period. “His Royal Highness remarked that while the stations, tracks and trains are the visible outcome of the project, its true success reflects the dedication, professionalism and commitment of the more than 13,000 individuals who worked tirelessly to bring it to fruition.” The RM16.63 billion LRT3 line was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 28. Free travel is being offered from June 29 to July 31 for all passengers, including on Prasarana-operated feeder bus services. The line is supported by 40 feeder buses serving 323 stops across 13 dedicated routes. – Bernama

According to a statement from Istana Alam Shah, the idea for the LRT3 emerged after His Royal Highness received numerous complaints from the public over worsening congestion along the Klang-Shah Alam-Kuala Lumpur corridor. Accompanied by the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah, the Sultan travelled on a special train from Bandar Utama Station to Johan Setia Station, covering 20 stations in about an hour. Also accompanying the royal family were Prasarana Malaysia Berhad Group CEO Amir Hamdan and Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) group managing director Datuk Imran Salim. The statement said Sultan Sharafuddin expressed gratitude that the long-awaited project had finally become a reality, describing it as an important initiative to improve the people’s quality of life, ease traffic congestion and provide a more efficient, comfortable and sustainable public transport system. “His Royal Highness remarked that

Sultan Sharafuddin, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and Tengku Amir Shah boarded a special train to travel on the new LRT3 Shah Alam Line from the Bandar Utama Station to Johan Setia Station yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

Alhamdulillah, the LRT3 is finally completed and operational.” Sultan Sharafuddin also expressed hope that work on the five deferred

facility for the convenience of the people. “He also commended the patience of the people of Selangor.

it would have been ideal had the LRT3 line been completed according to the original schedule, as he views the service as a vital public transport

BN needs different strategy to win Negeri Sembilan

Candidates for upcoming state election to be known this week KUALA LUMPUR: Differences in demographics and voting patterns in Negeri Sembilan will be among the factors shaping Barisan Nasional’s (BN) political strategy and candidate selection formula for the upcoming state election, said BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. “The situation in Negeri Sembilan is certainly different because the number of seats, population demographics and voting patterns also differ. So, BN’s formula must be adjusted to suit the political situation in the state. We will announce the candidates this week.” Ahmad Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, was speaking after attending a briefing session with the TVET@KKDW (Rural and Regional Development Ministry) contingent participating in the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, which was also attended by Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang. Ahmad Zahid said BN’s victory in the Johor state election last Saturday was achieved through mental resilience and emotional creativity in overcoming challenges throughout the campaign period. On cooperation with PAS, including a proposed candidate for the menteri besar post, the Umno president said there is no formal agreement between the two parties, with discussions only reflecting an understanding that had yet to be finalised. “Not everything should be accepted as an accurate statement because we do not have any agreement with PAS. Any discussion is merely based on an understanding, and we have not finalised anything.” Meanwhile, on calls for Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who is also DAP deputy chairman, to resign, Ahmad Zahid said statements on certain matters should be made reasonably, as both parties are part of the Unity government. – Bernama

“National issues will also influence politics in Negeri Sembilan as it borders the Klang Valley.” Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said BN’s Johor victory reflects voters’ preference for political stability and a single-party administration. “I think that is the main reason behind BN’s landslide victory. And this is not only a Johor-specific phenomenon. I believe a similar trend could happen in Negeri Sembilan.” Azmi said BN could potentially leverage the role of Umno Negeri Sembilan chief Datuk Jalaluddin Alias, who led 14 assemblymen in withdrawing support from Aminuddin, as a political advantage in the state. He said Aminuddin could emerge as PH’s key figure, with the contest likely to centre on governance and issues involving the monarchy. “The monarchy issue could become the main theme of the campaign in Negeri Sembilan, and I believe it was also a key reason behind the collapse of the state government.” Ultimately, the analysts agreed that another major victory would strengthen BN’s position within the Unity government, allowing the coalition to seek greater influence ahead of the 16th General Election. However, they cautioned that a state election victory would not automatically trigger an early general election, as its timing would also depend on developments in Sabah and Sarawak as well as the stability of the federal government.

o ‘State cannot be treated as extension of Johor as local dynamics, demographics and influence of Adat Perpatih shape its political and cultural landscape’

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Harun. Its administrative record, service delivery, Seremban-Nilai development and ability to address people’s concerns must take centre stage rather than national reform slogans.” Awang Azman said the influence of Adat Perpatih , the role of the four Undang and the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar would add another layer of complexity to the election. “It may not directly determine voting choices but respect for traditional institutions and a candidate’s standing within the local community will greatly influence voter acceptance.” Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali said BN has a strong political foundation in Negeri Sembilan where it holds 14 state seats, and cooperation with PAS could be among the options available to it. Mazlan cautioned that BN’s challenge would be tougher than in Johor as PH, as the incumbent state government, has demonstrated administrative capability and good governance. He said issues involving the monarchy and Adat Perpatih are likely to influence voter perceptions, particularly following recent developments involving the state’s traditional institutions.

JOHOR BAHRU: Barisan Nasional’s (BN) sweeping victory in Johor has given the coalition renewed political momentum, but applying the same formula in Negeri Sembilan will require a different strategy as local dynamics, demographics and the enduring influence of Adat Perpatih shape its electoral landscape. Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said while the Johor result has strengthened BN’s position, Negeri Sembilan could not be treated as an extension of the southern state due to its unique political and cultural complexities. He said BN is yet to identify a clear “poster boy” to lead its campaign in the state. He added that the coalition would need to present a convincing menteri besar candidate or leadership team while fielding local figures with strong community acceptance. “For Pakatan Harapan (PH), the Johor result serves as a warning that national-level messaging alone is becoming less effective. “PH needs to make the Negeri Sembilan election a referendum on the performance of the state government under Aminuddin