N Sembilan’s 2027 budget at risk without exco, says state DAP chair

Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman J Arul Kumar has warned that the state's 2027 budget may be at risk if the executive council (exco) is not reinstated, according to a report by Bernama. The absence of the exco could potentially halt the budget approval process, leaving critical expenses such as salaries and utilities unpaid. Arul, who served as a member of the exco from 2018 to 2026, emphasized that the menteri besar (chief minister) cannot simply assume the exco's role in approving the budget, except in emergency situations.

After the removal of all 10 councillors for breaching their oath of office on September 20, Negeri Sembilan is currently without an executive council. Arul stated that the state's budget approval process typically begins in May or June of the previous year, with state departments submitting their spending estimates. By September, discussions among the menteri besar, exco members, and department heads usually take place. However, this year's preparations for the 2027 budget have not seen such a retreat.

While departments may still prepare their estimates, the final budget still requires endorsement by the exco. Arul compared the process to the federal budget approval process, where the Cabinet considers the budget before it is presented to Parliament, and the exco must agree on the budget before the state assembly approves it. Without the exco's approval, there is concern about how the state will pay for essential services and expenditures.