Police reports filed against UMNO leaders over race‑linked remarks before Negeri Sembilan election

Police reports have been lodged against two UMNO leaders, Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and Shukri Shamsuddin, for remarks that linked race to the appointment of the Negeri Sembilan menteri besar. Asyraf suggested that DAP secretary‑general Loke Siew Fook could become menteri besar if the incumbent lost, a claim the DAP rejected as malicious and constitutionally invalid. DAP also filed a report after an UMNO leader alleged the party “controls the palace,” calling the statement baseless and intended to frighten Malay voters.

In a related political development, Bersatu Supreme Council member Dr Afif Bahardin urged UMNO to order its two Selangor assemblymen, Rizam Ismail and Johan Abdul Aziz, to withdraw support for the Pakatan Harapan‑led state government if UMNO intends to join PAS under the Muafakat Nasional concept. Afif said, “If they are truly ‘men’, announce the withdrawal of support and come sit with the opposition,” ahead of a state assembly meeting on Aug 3. Both stories reflect escalating intra‑coalition tensions as Malaysia heads toward the Negeri Sembilan state election on Aug 1.