Nearly 900,000 voters cast ballots in Negeri Sembilan state election
Why it matters: The result is a key test for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after PH's weak showing in July's Johor polls.
Nearly 900,000 eligible voters headed to 401 polling stations across Malaysia's Negeri Sembilan on Saturday for a state election that could reshape pressure on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's coalition. Pakatan Harapan, which held the state before the assembly was dissolved, is contesting all 36 seats. Barisan Nasional is fielding 25 candidates in an alliance with opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional, which is contesting the other 11. Bersatu, a PN member, is also running 24 candidates, creating contests against its own bloc partners. Analysts have framed the vote as a major test for Anwar after PH lost ground in the July 11 Johor state polls. A PH hold would steady his position; another setback could intensify speculation about a snap general election before 2028.