Months-old comments from Malaysian PM misrepresented as reaction to state elections defeat

Published on July 17, 2026 at 10:45
2 min read
By Najmi MAMAT, AFP Malaysia

Days after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan coalition suffered a resounding defeat in the Johor state election, a months-old news report resurfaced in posts misleadingly claiming his government would postpone upcoming polls in another state. The report aired during a period of political uncertainty in Negeri Sembilan, when the prime minister said any decision to call a snap poll rested with the state's ruler and legislative assembly.

"Negeri Sembilan state election may not be held - PM Anwar," says Malay-language text above a TikTok video shared on July 13, 2026.

The clip, taken from a news report by local broadcaster Astro Awani, shows an anchor reporting on comments Anwar made in relation to political uncertainty in Negeri Sembilan state.

"Is PMX scared now?" reads part of the video's superimposed text, referring to Anwar, who is Malaysia's 10th prime minister.

And referring to a rival coalition group and Malaysia’s Islamist opposition party it adds: "Previously he said he wasn't afraid of Barisan Nasional, but it turns out he's afraid of PAS."

Screenshot of the misleading TikTok post captured on July 17, 2026, with a red X added by AFP

The same clip was also shared in similar TikTok and Facebook posts, after Anwar's ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition was routed in state elections in Johor on July 11 (archived link).

"I'm fully prepared and ready to cast my vote," reads a comment on one of the posts.

Another says, "They must be afraid, having already suffered a crushing defeat in Johor."

But the circulating video was taken from a news broadcast aired months prior to the Johor state polls.

AFP found no official reports that Anwar or Malaysia's Election Commission announced a postponement of the Negeri Sembilan election on August 1.

A reverse image search on Google using keyframes from the TikTok clip led to a YouTube video posted by broadcaster Astro Awani on April 28 (archived link).

Its description reads: "The State Election in Negeri Sembilan may not be held due to the ongoing political uncertainty in the state; however, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that it depends on the decision of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir."

Yang di-Pertuan Besar, which translates to "He Who Is Made Great", is the title given to the royal ruler of Negeri Sembilan state.

Screenshot comparison of the misleadingly shared clip (L) and the April 28 YouTube video

The Negeri Sembilan state administration was thrown into a leadership crisis on April 27, when all 14 assembly members from the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) withdrew their backing for Chief Minister Aminuddin Harun (archived link). They cited dissatisfaction with his handling of a dispute involving the state monarchy.

The withdrawal of UMNO support meant the chief minister no longer enjoyed majority support in the 36-seat state assembly.

The state assembly was dissolved with the state ruler's consent on June 5, paving the way for snap polls slated for August 1 (archived link).

Anwar unveiled his coalition's candidates for the state elections on July 14, after the Johor defeat (archived link).

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