Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said any action against ministers or deputy ministers accused of breaching campaign discipline during the Negeri Sembilan state election is entirely up to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the appointment of Cabinet members falls solely under the Prime Minister’s authority as provided by the Federal Constitution.
“Under the Constitution, the power of appointment is the absolute prerogative of the Prime Minister.
“If the Prime Minister verifies the matter or receives accurate information, that is the Prime Minister’s absolute prerogative.
“There is no need for anyone else to answer for it,” he said.
Reminder on campaign discipline
Zahid was responding to Anwar’s reminder that ministers, deputy ministers and heads of federal agencies must maintain discipline while campaigning during the Negeri Sembilan election.
On July 19, Anwar said federal officeholders were free to address state issues but should relinquish their positions if they used their offices to attack partners in the Unity Government.
Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil later clarified that no directive had been issued requiring anyone to resign. He said Anwar’s remarks were intended as a reminder for ministers and senior officials to uphold discipline and professionalism.
Negeri Sembilan election contest
The issue has attracted attention following BN’s electoral cooperation with Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the Negeri Sembilan election, although BN remains a component of the federal Unity Government.
A total of 103 candidates are contesting the 36 state seats.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) is fielding candidates in all 36 constituencies, followed by BN with 25 candidates, Bersatu with 24 and PN with 11.
Berjasa, the Malaysian Orang Asli Party and Parti Sosialis Malaysia are each fielding one candidate, while four independent candidates are also contesting.
