“Ten minutes to midnight”: Ainie explodes over Negeri Sembilan assembly move

SHAH ALAM – Muda secretary-general Ainie Haziqah Shafii has criticised the Negeri Sembilan government's eleventh-hour decision to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly, questioning politicians' priorities as many Malaysians continue to grapple with rising living costs.

Her remarks came after Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun announced at about 11.50pm on Thursday that the assembly would be dissolved effective June 5, following the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir. The date was also agreed upon by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Describing the move as a last-minute decision, Ainie questioned why political leaders appeared able to hold multiple meetings on elections and power-sharing while many Malaysians remained burdened by economic pressures.

"Ten minutes to 12am, the madness of politicians and especially this Madani government, seriously? The craze of maintaining power is giving people a headache," she said in an Instagram post.

Ainie argued that it was irresponsible for the government to subject the rakyat to political calculations and electoral strategies at a time when pressing economic issues remained unresolved.

"Today, the rakyat is struggling and politicians take us for granted. There is no proper economic recovery plan, yet they can have multiple political meetings focused on power.

"At the end of the day, who suffers? The people," she said.

She also criticised the practice of holding staggered state elections, arguing that repeated electoral contests create unnecessary political distractions and prolonged uncertainty.

"This whole idea of having staggered elections, one after another, is really not healthy. We celebrate the democratic process, but politicians must be responsible," she added.

The dissolution clears the way for a state election, with the Election Commission expected to meet soon to determine the dates for nomination, early voting and polling.

Negeri Sembilan is the second state to dissolve its assembly this week after Johor, setting the stage for another electoral contest as political parties prepare for the campaign period.