28/04/2026

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Negeri MB to remain in office

o With consent from Ruler, administration would continue to function in accordance with state constitution and existing laws until matter resolved, says Aminuddin

no plans to meet Umno leaders, with the matter now referred to party leadership at the federal level. Despite the deepening political uncertainty, he gave assurances that governance would continue uninterrupted. “No one will be left behind,” he said. He also urged the public to remain calm and patient as efforts are made to resolve both the political impasse and ongoing adat -related issues. “We are confident these issues can be managed, even though there are differing views,” he said. The 2023 state election saw Pakatan Harapan (PH) and BN take control of the state government with a commanding 31-seat majority in the 36-seat assembly. Of the remaining seats, PH secured 17 and BN 14, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) holds five.

On the next step, Aminuddin said the administration would carry on as usual until a clear decision is reached, with the possibility of a state assembly meeting to determine the government’s position. He revealed that Umno’s move came as a surprise, despite earlier discussions on postponing the state assembly sitting. “On the night before the scheduled sitting, four exco members met me and requested that it be postponed. We agreed in principle, and eventually the sitting was postponed. “That is why it was surprising that they later said they do not support me.” Aminuddin said he has yet to fully review the letter submitted by the Umno assemblymen or ascertain their next course of action. He added that there are currently

would continue to function in accordance with the Negeri Sembilan Constitution and existing laws to ensure continuity and safeguard public interests. Aminuddin acknowledged that the withdrawal of support has created uncertainty, particularly over Barisan Nasional’s position. “It is still unclear where our partners in Barisan Nasional stand – 14 out of 36 and I have also been informed there is support from Perikatan Nasional. “However, we can still function as a minority government and carry out our responsibilities,” he said. He stressed that the loss of majority support does not automatically trigger the collapse of the state government. “A minority government can still function, as seen in other situations,” he added.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“After due consideration, His Royal Highness has advised and instructed that I continue my responsibilities as menteri besar as usual, as long as there is no clear resolution on this matter,” he said at a press conference in Seremban yesterday. Also present were DAP Negeri Sembilan chairman and Chennah assemblyman Anthony Loke, and state legislative assembly speaker Datuk MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman. He said the state administration

PETALING JAYA: Stripped of his majority, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun will nevertheless remain in office after securing the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir. He said he had updated the Ruler on the unfolding political turmoil, including the withdrawal of support by 14 Umno assemblymen.

We will not support ‘backdoor govt’ attempts: DAP PETALING JAYA: DAP has drawn a hard line against any attempt to instal a “backdoor government” in Negeri Sembilan as the state’s political crisis spirals following the withdrawal of support by 14 Umno assemblymen.

Umno reps’ move purely their own, says Zahid

Ű BY HIMANSHU BHATT newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman Anthony Loke said the party would not endorse any move to form a new administration outside the mandate delivered by voters in the last state election. “I want to state clearly that DAP will not support any attempt to form a backdoor government. We reject any such effort,” said the Chennah assemblyman at a press conference with Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun yesterday. He stressed that the current Pakatan Harapan–Barisan Nasional administration was formed on a pre-election understanding and a clear mandate from the electorate. “We contested the state election on the platform of the unity government, and that is the mandate given by the people of Negeri Sembilan. “If any party now withdraws support, in our view, that does not respect the mandate given by the people,” he said. Loke also reaffirmed DAP’s full backing for Aminuddin, noting that all 11 DAP assemblymen continue to support him remaining in office. On the constitutional monarchy, Loke said DAP fully respects the institution of the Yang di Pertuan Besar and Negeri Sembilan’s unique adat system. He explained that the royal institution comprises the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, the Undang Yang Empat and the Tengku Besar Tampin. “When this crisis arose, there was a dispute between Tuanku and the Datuk Undang. “We did not interfere because we respect the process, the institution and the adat laws. “That is why we did not issue any earlier statement on this matter,” he said. Loke added that under the Negeri Sembilan Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar is appointed by the Undang Yang Empat, who also hold the power to remove the ruler under Article 10. However, he stressed that such action can only be taken following a full and completed investigation. “In this context, removal can only take place if it is determined that the ruler is unfit under Islamic law, has committed acts that undermine the dignity and position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar or has failed to carry out his duties in accordance with the Constitution. “We do not dispute the powers of the Undang Yang Empat, but the process must be

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has distanced the party leadership from the dramatic withdrawal of support by 14 Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan, saying the move was taken independently and will now be examined by the party’s top leadership. The collective withdrawal of support by the 14 Umno/BN state assemblymen against Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has plunged the state into political turmoil, deepening the crisis and raising the possibility of a snap election. Ahmad Zahid, who is also BN chairman and deputy prime minister, said the matter would be carefully assessed by the party before any decision is made. “The matter will be studied in detail, including its implications, before it is referred to and deliberated by the Umno Supreme Council. “The resolution on this issue will depend on our political situation,” he said. He did not rule out the possibility that the unfolding situation could lead to a state election. “We will be discussing that.” Ahmad Zahid added that he is expected to meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim soon to discuss the issue. He also admitted that the party leadership was informed of the move before the assemblymen made the announcement. Asked about reports that Perikatan Nasional was keen to form a new pact with Umno assemblymen, Zahid said political actors were always quick to seize opportunities. “In politics, of course (parties) seize opportunities. And this opportunity is something they are interested in,” he said. He also said he would engage the assemblymen involved, adding that he hoped to meet them at the earliest opportunity. Zahid said this to reporters after a closed-door interview session with Umno information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and senior news editors at the World Trade Centre here yesterday.

Aminuddin with Loke at the press conference at the MB’s home in Seremban. – PIC COURTESY OF ANTHONY LOKE FACEBOOK PAGE. followed. The key words are ‘full investigation’ and ‘completed investigation’,” he said. At present, he said, the process has not been completed. Loke also said the state assembly sitting scheduled for today had been postponed, allegedly at the request of Umno leaders.

“Ultimately, the menteri besar’s position can only be determined in the assembly. If a vote of no confidence is passed and he loses majority support, then he must resign,” he said. Until then, he added, the state government must continue functioning to ensure stability and administrative continuity. Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman said Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) remains firmly behind Aminuddin and the Unity government. He said Amanah’s position has not wavered, describing the latest political developments as unexpected. “We entered the last state election together under the menang bersama approach,” he said. He added that during the formation of the government, Barisan Nasional had sought certain concessions, which were agreed to in the spirit of cooperation. Ibrahim said Amanah remains committed to the Unity government and continues to uphold the constitutional monarchy and Negeri Sembilan’s traditional institutions. – By Harith Kamal

As such, Loke said DAP and Pakatan Harapan continue to recognise Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan. “Not only us, but all state assembly members present, including those from Perikatan Nasional, recognise Tuanku Muhriz, as His Royal Highness officiated at the State Legislative Assembly meeting last Thursday,” he said. He added that while the Undang have constitutional authority, any move to remove the ruler must strictly adhere to legal procedures, which he said remain incomplete. On the political impasse, Loke acknowledged that the government is now reduced to a minority with 17 seats following Umno’s withdrawal of support. However, he stressed that the menteri besar’s position must be determined through constitutional means. “This can only be decided either through a vote of no confidence in the State Legislative Assembly or through established constitutional processes involving the ruler, similar to the Perak precedent in 2009,” he said.