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MEXICO CITY, JUNE 19 -- Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs has been chosen to officiate the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history, world soccer governing body FIFA said on Thursday, Xinhua reported. Kovacs will take charge of the Group F match between Tunisia and Japan at Monterrey Stadium on Saturday, according to a FIFA statement. According to the statement, he will be assisted by compatriots Ferencz Tunyogi and Mihai Marica, along with Costa Ricans Juan Calderon and Juan Carlos Mora, serving as fourth official and reserve assistant referees, respectively. FIFA's chief refereeing officer and chairman of the referees' committee Pierluigi Collina said Kovacs was selected according to the usual criteria, even for special matches. "We chose the referee we thought was the best one for this match," Collina said. "And of course, coincidentally, he was also appointed for the 1,000th game. So, for him, it was something extra -- something special." "Referring a FIFA World Cup match is always a privilege, it's an honour," said the Italian, who refereed the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany. Kovacs, 41, is part of the match officials panel at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, serving as fourth official eight times. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

FIFA selects Kovacs for 1000th World Cup match

MEXICO CITY, JUNE 19 — Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs has been chosen to officiate the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history, world soccer governing body FIFA said on Thursday, Xinhua reported.

Kovacs will take charge of the Group F match between Tunisia and Japan at Monterrey Stadium on Saturday, according to a FIFA statement.

According to the statement, he will be assisted by compatriots Ferencz Tunyogi and Mihai Marica, along with Costa Ricans Juan Calderon and Juan Carlos Mora, serving as fourth official and reserve assistant referees, respectively.

FIFA’s chief refereeing officer and chairman of the referees’ committee Pierluigi Collina said Kovacs was selected according to the usual criteria, even for special matches.

“We chose the referee we thought was the best one for this match,” Collina said.

“And of course, coincidentally, he was also appointed for the 1,000th game. So, for him, it was something extra — something special.”

“Referring a FIFA World Cup match is always a privilege, it’s an honour,” said the Italian, who refereed the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany.

Kovacs, 41, is part of the match officials panel at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, serving as fourth official eight times.

— BERNAMA-XINHUA

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There is a quiet frustration many Malaysians share today, often spoken at mamak tables, during lunch breaks, or in late-night conversations with friends: “Everything is getting more expensive, but my salary feels the same.” It is not just a feeling anymore. For many households across Malaysia—whether in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, or smaller towns—the cost of daily life has gradually shifted from manageable to constantly stretching the ringgit thinner than before. But what exactly is happening? The Invisible Inflation of Everyday Life Inflation is not new. Economists have always reminded us that prices rise over time. But what Malaysians are experiencing now feels different—it is not just the price of luxury goods or big-ticket items. It is the small, everyday things. A plate of nasi goreng that once cost RM6.50 is now RM8 or RM9. A simple café drink that used to be RM10 is now RM13 or RM15. Parking fees, tolls, groceries, even basic household items—all seem to have quietly adjusted upward. Individually, these increases feel minor. But collectively, they reshape monthly budgets in a very real way. For lower- and middle-income households, the difference is no longer about “saving a little less”—it is about choosing what to cut. Wages That Don’t Keep Up While prices have moved steadily upward, wages in many sectors have not kept pace at the same speed. Yes, Malaysia has seen minimum wage adjustments and salary revisions in some industries. But for many workers—especially those in entry-level jobs, gig work, or small and medium enterprises—the increase has not matched the real cost of living in urban areas. This creates a quiet imbalance: people are working just as hard, sometimes harder, but feeling like they are falling behind. It is not just about numbers on a payslip. It is about the psychological pressure of effort not translating into stability. The Middle-Class Squeeze Is Real Perhaps the most affected group today is the urban middle class. They earn “too much” to qualify for assistance, but not enough to comfortably absorb rising costs. Housing loans, car payments, childcare, education fees, and daily expenses form a tight monthly cycle that leaves little room for savings. Even small disruptions—such as a medical emergency or unexpected repair—can throw financial planning off balance. This is where many Malaysians quietly feel stuck: not struggling enough to be considered in crisis, but not comfortable enough to feel secure. Lifestyle Changes Are Masking the Problem One interesting shift is how Malaysians are adapting. Instead of large visible protests about cost of living, the response has been subtle and behavioural. People are: Eating out less often, or choosing cheaper spots Switching from cafés back to home-brewed drinks Delaying major purchases Relying more on online deals and second-hand markets Taking on side income or gig work On the surface, life goes on normally. But underneath, spending habits are being reshaped by necessity, not preference. Why It Feels Worse Today Part of the emotional weight comes from comparison. Social media constantly shows a lifestyle that feels increasingly out of reach—trips, cafés, gadgets, and “soft life” aesthetics. At the same time, real income growth feels slow. This gap between expectation and reality creates frustration that is not just financial, but emotional. People are not only asking “Can I afford this?” but also “Why does everyone else seem able to?” Is This the New Normal? Malaysia is not alone in facing cost pressures. Many countries are going through similar cycles of inflation, housing challenges, and wage stagnation. But locally, the concern is whether this gap between income and living costs is becoming structural rather than temporary. If wages do not adjust in step with real-world expenses, then affordability will slowly redefine what “middle class life” even means in Malaysia. A Quiet Question for the Future Ultimately, this is not just an economic issue—it is a quality-of-life issue. How long can households continue adjusting before something has to give? Will wages catch up, or will expectations simply continue to shrink? For now, Malaysians continue adapting in quiet ways. They budget more carefully, choose more selectively, and stretch each ringgit further than before. But the underlying question remains unresolved: If everything is getting more expensive, what exactly are we working so hard for? -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

Why Everything in Malaysia Feels More Expensive in 2026 — Even When Salaries Don’t Move

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 June, 2026 – Up-and-coming property developer Setia Awan has announced that Tower B and D (totalling 940 units) of its Seksyen 14, Shah Alam development, Sena Residences has achieved a 98% take-up rate within 6 months of its official launch back in December 2025.  This overwhelming demand, which is attributed to Sena Residences’ strategic location, flexible layouts and attractive facilities, has seen Setia Awan trigger the sale of its final two blocks in the development ahead of schedule. The final two blocks will consist of a total of 1,102 units comprising service apartments and soho transit units. Commenting on this announcement, Miles Chan, General Manager, Sales & Marketing and Corporate Communication, Setia Awan Land, said, “The strong reception we have seen for the first two towers of Sena Residences is highly encouraging. It is a testament that Setia Awan’s approach of maximising space and offering great value for purchases of all stages of life, is matching current market demands. The final two blocks will continue this philosophy offering consumers diversity in layouts all the while maintaining the low barrier of entry.”   Nestled in the epicenter of Seksyen 14, Sena Residences has been designed for urban professionals and first-time homeowners with an affordable entry price in mind. The development features a dynamic range of unit layouts from conventional 4-Bedroom Family Units to the unique Soho Transit Units.  Taking a cue from their highly successful introduction of Soho Transit Units in their Astrum Ampang development, Sena Residences now becomes the first development to introduce the concept in Shah Alam. This new typology aligns with the upcoming LRT3 Shah Alam Line which is scheduled to open at the end of June, specifically the Dato’ Menteri station that is situated in Sekysen 14 approximately 30 metres from Sena Residences.  “We are catering to the demands of a new generation. One that wants their own space at an affordable price and one that wants to be intrinsically connected to the rest of the city through public transport. The Soho Transit Units offers just that, purchasers get a bedroom, living room and even a kitchenette area all for just RM230,000. It would feel just like an executive hotel room but one that is all yours, permanently,” Miles added.  Embodying its "live above, shop below" concept, Setia Awan is now engaging with established tenants across healthcare, wellness, fitness, and food & beverage at the upcoming eatery boulevard area, for its commercial shoplots below the Sena Residence. This will ensure convenience and unrivalled accessibility for the residents and other surrounding communities.  This announcement continues Setia Awan’s momentum in Shah Alam, following the achievement of fully selling out the units in Astrum Shah Alam within 1 year. Other recent developments for Setia Alam include the announcement of its MoU for Bukit Ampang Permai’s very first neighbourhood mall and an agreement with Billion Group to feature its grocery stores in two projects in Melaka as well as other upcoming projects in Selayang, Shah Alam, and Tanjung Malim.   -- MINUTESMY 

Sena Residences Tower B & D Achieve 98% Take-Up in 6 Months –  Setia Awan Land Triggers Final Two Blocks Due to Overwhelming Demand 

In recent years, a subtle but noticeable shift has been taking place across Malaysia. While Kuala Lumpur and Selangor remain the country’s economic engine, more Malaysians are beginning to question whether the fast-paced city lifestyle is still worth the rising cost, long commutes, and constant pressure that come with it. Instead, a growing number are choosing what many now call “quiet living” — a slower, more intentional lifestyle in smaller towns such as Kedah, Perlis, Melaka, and parts of Pahang and Negeri Sembilan. It is not necessarily about escaping the city, but about redefining what “a good life” means. From city lights to slower mornings For many young professionals, life in Kuala Lumpur once symbolised success. High-rise apartments, café culture, and career growth were part of the dream. But for some, that dream has started to feel increasingly expensive — both financially and emotionally. “I used to spend almost two hours just travelling to and from work,” said a 32-year-old marketing executive who recently moved from Petaling Jaya to Melaka. “Now I wake up later, I have breakfast with my family, and I actually feel like I have time to live.” This sentiment is becoming more common, especially among those who can work remotely or on hybrid arrangements. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, but even after restrictions ended, the flexibility it introduced has remained. The cost of living reality One of the strongest drivers behind this movement is cost. Rent in KL and surrounding urban areas has steadily increased, while daily expenses — from parking to food delivery — continue to add pressure. In contrast, smaller towns offer a different equation. Housing is more affordable, traffic is lighter, and even simple routines feel less rushed. For many families, the decision is no longer just about income, but about quality of life.  A young couple who relocated to Alor Setar shared that their monthly expenses dropped significantly after leaving the Klang Valley. “We don’t feel squeezed every month anymore,” they said. “We can actually plan for the future instead of just surviving the present.” Remote work changing the map of opportunity The rise of remote and hybrid work has quietly reshaped where Malaysians can live. Jobs in digital marketing, IT, design, customer support, and freelance work no longer require a daily physical presence in the office. This has opened the door for a new kind of migration — not overseas, but inward, toward smaller Malaysian towns that were once seen as “backward” or “too quiet.” Now, places like Melaka, Taiping, and Kangar are seeing a different kind of resident: professionals with laptops, stable internet connections, and a desire for balance rather than constant acceleration. Mental health and the need to slow down Beyond money and logistics, mental health is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation. City life, while exciting, can also be exhausting. Traffic congestion, noise, long working hours, and the pressure to constantly “keep up” have led many to experience burnout without even realising it. Psychologists have noted that prolonged stress in urban environments can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and emotional detachment. Quiet living, on the other hand, is often described by those who adopt it as “mentally lighter” — not because life becomes problem-free, but because the pace allows space to breathe. One resident who moved from Shah Alam to Perlis described it simply: “I didn’t realise how tired I was until I stopped rushing every day.” Not an escape, but a recalibration However, quiet living is not without trade-offs. Smaller towns may offer peace, but they can lack the career opportunities, entertainment options, and infrastructure found in major cities. For some industries, physical presence in urban centres is still essential. That is why many see this trend not as an escape from the city, but a recalibration of lifestyle priorities. Some choose to split their time between both worlds — working in the city during certain periods, and returning to quieter hometowns when possible. Others are redesigning their careers entirely to fit a more location-flexible life. The future: Malaysia’s new lifestyle balance As Malaysia continues to develop digitally and economically, the definition of success is slowly changing. It is no longer only about climbing corporate ladders in skyscrapers. For many, it is about waking up without stress, having time for family, and living in a space that feels manageable. The “quiet living” movement reflects a broader truth: Malaysians are not rejecting ambition — they are redefining it. And as more people begin to ask whether city hustle is worth the price, the answer is becoming less uniform. For some, Kuala Lumpur will always be home. For others, a quieter corner of Malaysia might be where life finally feels like life again. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

The Rise of ‘Quiet Living’ in Malaysia: Why More Malaysians Are Leaving the City Hustle

JOHOR BAHRU: PKR's list of candidates for the State Elections (PRN) in Johor and Negeri Sembilan is now 99 percent final, said its Secretary-General Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh. He said the party would contest 20 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats in Johor and 16 seats in Negeri Sembilan, while the official announcement of candidates was expected to be made in the next few days. "We will feature a balanced mix of old and new faces, including women and young people. Regarding the percentage of new faces, wait for the announcement later," he told reporters after attending the Rahmah Sales Program at Econsave Taman Daya, here today. Commenting on Amanah Johor's claim against the Puteri Wangsa state seat, Fuziah said the issue of the seat dispute had been handed over entirely to the top leadership of the component parties to be resolved. Previously, Johor Amanah Vice Chairman Dr Zuhan Zain did not agree with the seat being handed over to PKR, stating that the seat belonged to them after being loaned to the Malaysian Democratic Alliance Party (MUDA) in the 2022 general election. "That (their claim of the seat) is a claim from Amanah Johor, but this matter will be resolved at the highest level," he said. Touching on the status of action against Subang MP Wong Chen who challenged PKR to sack him following a disciplinary investigation, Fuziah said the matter had been submitted to the party's Disciplinary Board for further action. The Election Commission (EC) has set the nomination day for the Johor state election on June 27, while polling day will be on July 11 after the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) was dissolved on June 1. The Johor state assembly has 56 seats and before the dissolution, Barisan Nasional (BN) controlled 40 seats followed by Pakatan Harapan (PH) (12), Perikatan Nasional (PN) (three) and MUDA (one). Meanwhile, the Negeri Sembilan state election is set for August 1 with the nomination dates on July 18 and July 28 for early voting. The Negeri Sembilan state assembly, which has 36 seats, was dissolved on June 5 and before the dissolution, PH controlled 17 seats, BN (14) and PN (five). -- BERNAMA

Election: PKR Johor, Negeri Sembilan candidate list 99 percent final

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There is a quiet frustration many Malaysians share today, often spoken at mamak tables, during lunch breaks, or in late-night conversations with friends: “Everything is getting more expensive, but my salary feels the same.” It is not just a feeling anymore. For many households across Malaysia—whether in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, or smaller towns—the cost of daily life has gradually shifted from manageable to constantly stretching the ringgit thinner than before. But what exactly is happening? The Invisible Inflation of Everyday Life Inflation is not new. Economists have always reminded us that prices rise over time. But what Malaysians are experiencing now feels different—it is not just the price of luxury goods or big-ticket items. It is the small, everyday things. A plate of nasi goreng that once cost RM6.50 is now RM8 or RM9. A simple café drink that used to be RM10 is now RM13 or RM15. Parking fees, tolls, groceries, even basic household items—all seem to have quietly adjusted upward. Individually, these increases feel minor. But collectively, they reshape monthly budgets in a very real way. For lower- and middle-income households, the difference is no longer about “saving a little less”—it is about choosing what to cut. Wages That Don’t Keep Up While prices have moved steadily upward, wages in many sectors have not kept pace at the same speed. Yes, Malaysia has seen minimum wage adjustments and salary revisions in some industries. But for many workers—especially those in entry-level jobs, gig work, or small and medium enterprises—the increase has not matched the real cost of living in urban areas. This creates a quiet imbalance: people are working just as hard, sometimes harder, but feeling like they are falling behind. It is not just about numbers on a payslip. It is about the psychological pressure of effort not translating into stability. The Middle-Class Squeeze Is Real Perhaps the most affected group today is the urban middle class. They earn “too much” to qualify for assistance, but not enough to comfortably absorb rising costs. Housing loans, car payments, childcare, education fees, and daily expenses form a tight monthly cycle that leaves little room for savings. Even small disruptions—such as a medical emergency or unexpected repair—can throw financial planning off balance. This is where many Malaysians quietly feel stuck: not struggling enough to be considered in crisis, but not comfortable enough to feel secure. Lifestyle Changes Are Masking the Problem One interesting shift is how Malaysians are adapting. Instead of large visible protests about cost of living, the response has been subtle and behavioural. People are: Eating out less often, or choosing cheaper spots Switching from cafés back to home-brewed drinks Delaying major purchases Relying more on online deals and second-hand markets Taking on side income or gig work On the surface, life goes on normally. But underneath, spending habits are being reshaped by necessity, not preference. Why It Feels Worse Today Part of the emotional weight comes from comparison. Social media constantly shows a lifestyle that feels increasingly out of reach—trips, cafés, gadgets, and “soft life” aesthetics. At the same time, real income growth feels slow. This gap between expectation and reality creates frustration that is not just financial, but emotional. People are not only asking “Can I afford this?” but also “Why does everyone else seem able to?” Is This the New Normal? Malaysia is not alone in facing cost pressures. Many countries are going through similar cycles of inflation, housing challenges, and wage stagnation. But locally, the concern is whether this gap between income and living costs is becoming structural rather than temporary. If wages do not adjust in step with real-world expenses, then affordability will slowly redefine what “middle class life” even means in Malaysia. A Quiet Question for the Future Ultimately, this is not just an economic issue—it is a quality-of-life issue. How long can households continue adjusting before something has to give? Will wages catch up, or will expectations simply continue to shrink? For now, Malaysians continue adapting in quiet ways. They budget more carefully, choose more selectively, and stretch each ringgit further than before. But the underlying question remains unresolved: If everything is getting more expensive, what exactly are we working so hard for? -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

Why Everything in Malaysia Feels More Expensive in 2026 — Even When Salaries Don’t Move

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 June, 2026 – Up-and-coming property developer Setia Awan has announced that Tower B and D (totalling 940 units) of its Seksyen 14, Shah Alam development, Sena Residences has achieved a 98% take-up rate within 6 months of its official launch back in December 2025.  This overwhelming demand, which is attributed to Sena Residences’ strategic location, flexible layouts and attractive facilities, has seen Setia Awan trigger the sale of its final two blocks in the development ahead of schedule. The final two blocks will consist of a total of 1,102 units comprising service apartments and soho transit units. Commenting on this announcement, Miles Chan, General Manager, Sales & Marketing and Corporate Communication, Setia Awan Land, said, “The strong reception we have seen for the first two towers of Sena Residences is highly encouraging. It is a testament that Setia Awan’s approach of maximising space and offering great value for purchases of all stages of life, is matching current market demands. The final two blocks will continue this philosophy offering consumers diversity in layouts all the while maintaining the low barrier of entry.”   Nestled in the epicenter of Seksyen 14, Sena Residences has been designed for urban professionals and first-time homeowners with an affordable entry price in mind. The development features a dynamic range of unit layouts from conventional 4-Bedroom Family Units to the unique Soho Transit Units.  Taking a cue from their highly successful introduction of Soho Transit Units in their Astrum Ampang development, Sena Residences now becomes the first development to introduce the concept in Shah Alam. This new typology aligns with the upcoming LRT3 Shah Alam Line which is scheduled to open at the end of June, specifically the Dato’ Menteri station that is situated in Sekysen 14 approximately 30 metres from Sena Residences.  “We are catering to the demands of a new generation. One that wants their own space at an affordable price and one that wants to be intrinsically connected to the rest of the city through public transport. The Soho Transit Units offers just that, purchasers get a bedroom, living room and even a kitchenette area all for just RM230,000. It would feel just like an executive hotel room but one that is all yours, permanently,” Miles added.  Embodying its "live above, shop below" concept, Setia Awan is now engaging with established tenants across healthcare, wellness, fitness, and food & beverage at the upcoming eatery boulevard area, for its commercial shoplots below the Sena Residence. This will ensure convenience and unrivalled accessibility for the residents and other surrounding communities.  This announcement continues Setia Awan’s momentum in Shah Alam, following the achievement of fully selling out the units in Astrum Shah Alam within 1 year. Other recent developments for Setia Alam include the announcement of its MoU for Bukit Ampang Permai’s very first neighbourhood mall and an agreement with Billion Group to feature its grocery stores in two projects in Melaka as well as other upcoming projects in Selayang, Shah Alam, and Tanjung Malim.   -- MINUTESMY 

Sena Residences Tower B & D Achieve 98% Take-Up in 6 Months –  Setia Awan Land Triggers Final Two Blocks Due to Overwhelming Demand 

In recent years, a subtle but noticeable shift has been taking place across Malaysia. While Kuala Lumpur and Selangor remain the country’s economic engine, more Malaysians are beginning to question whether the fast-paced city lifestyle is still worth the rising cost, long commutes, and constant pressure that come with it. Instead, a growing number are choosing what many now call “quiet living” — a slower, more intentional lifestyle in smaller towns such as Kedah, Perlis, Melaka, and parts of Pahang and Negeri Sembilan. It is not necessarily about escaping the city, but about redefining what “a good life” means. From city lights to slower mornings For many young professionals, life in Kuala Lumpur once symbolised success. High-rise apartments, café culture, and career growth were part of the dream. But for some, that dream has started to feel increasingly expensive — both financially and emotionally. “I used to spend almost two hours just travelling to and from work,” said a 32-year-old marketing executive who recently moved from Petaling Jaya to Melaka. “Now I wake up later, I have breakfast with my family, and I actually feel like I have time to live.” This sentiment is becoming more common, especially among those who can work remotely or on hybrid arrangements. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, but even after restrictions ended, the flexibility it introduced has remained. The cost of living reality One of the strongest drivers behind this movement is cost. Rent in KL and surrounding urban areas has steadily increased, while daily expenses — from parking to food delivery — continue to add pressure. In contrast, smaller towns offer a different equation. Housing is more affordable, traffic is lighter, and even simple routines feel less rushed. For many families, the decision is no longer just about income, but about quality of life.  A young couple who relocated to Alor Setar shared that their monthly expenses dropped significantly after leaving the Klang Valley. “We don’t feel squeezed every month anymore,” they said. “We can actually plan for the future instead of just surviving the present.” Remote work changing the map of opportunity The rise of remote and hybrid work has quietly reshaped where Malaysians can live. Jobs in digital marketing, IT, design, customer support, and freelance work no longer require a daily physical presence in the office. This has opened the door for a new kind of migration — not overseas, but inward, toward smaller Malaysian towns that were once seen as “backward” or “too quiet.” Now, places like Melaka, Taiping, and Kangar are seeing a different kind of resident: professionals with laptops, stable internet connections, and a desire for balance rather than constant acceleration. Mental health and the need to slow down Beyond money and logistics, mental health is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation. City life, while exciting, can also be exhausting. Traffic congestion, noise, long working hours, and the pressure to constantly “keep up” have led many to experience burnout without even realising it. Psychologists have noted that prolonged stress in urban environments can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and emotional detachment. Quiet living, on the other hand, is often described by those who adopt it as “mentally lighter” — not because life becomes problem-free, but because the pace allows space to breathe. One resident who moved from Shah Alam to Perlis described it simply: “I didn’t realise how tired I was until I stopped rushing every day.” Not an escape, but a recalibration However, quiet living is not without trade-offs. Smaller towns may offer peace, but they can lack the career opportunities, entertainment options, and infrastructure found in major cities. For some industries, physical presence in urban centres is still essential. That is why many see this trend not as an escape from the city, but a recalibration of lifestyle priorities. Some choose to split their time between both worlds — working in the city during certain periods, and returning to quieter hometowns when possible. Others are redesigning their careers entirely to fit a more location-flexible life. The future: Malaysia’s new lifestyle balance As Malaysia continues to develop digitally and economically, the definition of success is slowly changing. It is no longer only about climbing corporate ladders in skyscrapers. For many, it is about waking up without stress, having time for family, and living in a space that feels manageable. The “quiet living” movement reflects a broader truth: Malaysians are not rejecting ambition — they are redefining it. And as more people begin to ask whether city hustle is worth the price, the answer is becoming less uniform. For some, Kuala Lumpur will always be home. For others, a quieter corner of Malaysia might be where life finally feels like life again. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

The Rise of ‘Quiet Living’ in Malaysia: Why More Malaysians Are Leaving the City Hustle

JOHOR BAHRU: PKR's list of candidates for the State Elections (PRN) in Johor and Negeri Sembilan is now 99 percent final, said its Secretary-General Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh. He said the party would contest 20 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats in Johor and 16 seats in Negeri Sembilan, while the official announcement of candidates was expected to be made in the next few days. "We will feature a balanced mix of old and new faces, including women and young people. Regarding the percentage of new faces, wait for the announcement later," he told reporters after attending the Rahmah Sales Program at Econsave Taman Daya, here today. Commenting on Amanah Johor's claim against the Puteri Wangsa state seat, Fuziah said the issue of the seat dispute had been handed over entirely to the top leadership of the component parties to be resolved. Previously, Johor Amanah Vice Chairman Dr Zuhan Zain did not agree with the seat being handed over to PKR, stating that the seat belonged to them after being loaned to the Malaysian Democratic Alliance Party (MUDA) in the 2022 general election. "That (their claim of the seat) is a claim from Amanah Johor, but this matter will be resolved at the highest level," he said. Touching on the status of action against Subang MP Wong Chen who challenged PKR to sack him following a disciplinary investigation, Fuziah said the matter had been submitted to the party's Disciplinary Board for further action. The Election Commission (EC) has set the nomination day for the Johor state election on June 27, while polling day will be on July 11 after the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) was dissolved on June 1. The Johor state assembly has 56 seats and before the dissolution, Barisan Nasional (BN) controlled 40 seats followed by Pakatan Harapan (PH) (12), Perikatan Nasional (PN) (three) and MUDA (one). Meanwhile, the Negeri Sembilan state election is set for August 1 with the nomination dates on July 18 and July 28 for early voting. The Negeri Sembilan state assembly, which has 36 seats, was dissolved on June 5 and before the dissolution, PH controlled 17 seats, BN (14) and PN (five). -- BERNAMA

Election: PKR Johor, Negeri Sembilan candidate list 99 percent final

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