29/04/2026

WEDNESDAY | APR 29, 2026

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Negeri Umno denies ‘power grab’ plot o Party leaders insist exit from Unity govt is about protecting state stability and royal institutions, not backdoor deal with PN

him of the withdrawal of support. I am ready to be received at any time,” he said. Jalaluddin added that he had briefed Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on the developments, describing the situation as extraordinary rather than a routine political realignment. He also confirmed the party’s assemblymen and senior officials had returned official facilities following the decision, with further steps to be guided strictly by constitutional processes. Meanwhile, PN in Negeri Sembilan has separately indicated its readiness to work with the 14 Umno assemblymen, saying its priority is state stability. Its stance has further fuelled speculation over possible political realignments in the state assembly. The developments follow Umno Negeri Sembilan’s announcement on Monday that it had withdrawn support for Aminuddin amid rising tensions linked to governance issues and sensitivities surrounding state institutions. Anwar backs Aminuddin amid political impasse PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has affirmed that Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun will continue serving as Negeri Sembilan menteri besar despite the ongoing political impasse in the state. Calling for calm and respect for due process, Anwar stressed the situation must be resolved in an orderly and consensus-driven manner. He said he met Negeri Sembilan Yang di Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir on Monday night to discuss matters concerning the state’s royal institution and administration. Anwar expressed appreciation for the Ruler’s wisdom in managing the crisis, describing it as vital for stability and constitutional order. During the audience, Anwar conveyed support for the Ruler’s decree that Aminuddin should continue his duties. “I support the Ruler’s decree that he (Aminuddin) continues to carry out his responsibilities as menteri besar to ensure administrative stability, safeguard the interests of the people and uphold the rule of law,” Anwar said in a statement yesterday. He added that Aminuddin’s experience and track record would enable him to lead effectively during this period of uncertainty. Addressing concerns over the role of the Undangs , Anwar said matters involving the traditional institution were being handled through proper channels. “The issues involving the Undang institution are being addressed through legitimate processes and the wisdom of the Undangs themselves,” he said, adding that the federal government would fully cooperate to ensure continuity in economic development and public welfare. Anwar emphasised that regardless of political developments, the sanctity of the royal institution and the state’s legal framework must always be preserved. He urged the public, particularly those in Negeri Sembilan, to remain measured and respectful when discussing issues related to the monarchy and governance. “In any circumstance, the dignity of the royal institution and the laws of the state must be upheld. I call on the people to exercise restraint and maintain decorum when addressing such issues,” he said. The Pakatan Harapan government in Negeri Sembilan is currently operating as a minority administration after Barisan Nasional withdrew from the Unity government. Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

public or weaken institutional respect. “When issues involving adat and the monarchy are discussed openly on social media, it creates misunderstanding and affects both the institutions and the government,” he said. Jalaluddin stressed that the decision was not motivated by political ambition or any intention to assume the menteri besar post. He reiterated that the appointment of the menteri besar rests solely with the Yang di Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, and not with political actors. Following the withdrawal of support, he said Umno was now considering constitutional avenues to ensure continued stability in the state administration. He also said the current menteri besar had “lost the confidence” required to continue leading the government, prompting Umno to seek an audience with the Ruler to formally convey its position. “We have requested to meet His Royal Highness the Yang di-Pertuan Besar to inform

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Negeri Sembilan Umno headquarters. Jalaluddin said the unanimous decision by all 14 Umno assemblymen to withdraw support was made while still within government ranks, and was based on concerns over institutional integrity and the stability of the state administration. He warned that prolonged political tensions in the state had reached a critical stage, describing the situation as a “time bomb” that could undermine public confidence if left unresolved. He also pointed to sensitivities surrounding Negeri Sembilan’s traditional institutions, saying matters involving the Undangs and the Yang di-Pertuan Besar should not be openly debated in a manner that could mislead the

PETALING JAYA: Negeri Sembilan Umno has dismissed allegations that its withdrawal of support for Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun is part of a political manoeuvre to align with Perikatan Nasional (PN) and form a new state government. State Umno leader Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said claims that the party was working with PN to “topple” the administration were baseless, stressing that the move was not driven by any desire for power. “There is no such thing as toppling the government to take over. That is not our intention,” he said at a press conference at the

CAMPUS CHAT ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim interacts with students during the “Meet Anwar” session at UCSI University’s Cheras campus after officiating the launch of construction for the university’s new building yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/ THESUN

DAP youth warns PH of backdoor govt moves PETALING JAYA: DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) has urged Pakatan Harapan (PH) to reassess its cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN), warning against any attempts to form a “backdoor government” that could undermine the people’s mandate. where the pursuit of power overrides the interests of the people,” it said.

efforts persist, PH-led state governments should consider decisive action, including terminating all forms of cooperation at every level of administration. It also called on BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to step in and take responsibility in defusing the situation, cautioning that a growing crisis of confidence cannot be addressed through silence or prolonged speculation. “At a time when the country faces major challenges, including uncertainty in the energy sector, any move that undermines political stability is a betrayal of the people,” it added. Dapsy further urged voters to reject any politicians who attempt to seize power through backdoor arrangements, stressing that accountability ultimately lies with the electorate at the ballot box. – by HARITH KAMAL

The movement stressed that any attempt to reshape governments through closed-door negotiations, without returning to the electorate, amounts to a betrayal of voter trust. It pointed out that in states such as Negeri Sembilan, Penang and Selangor, voters had endorsed a framework of stability and cooperation under the Unity government during elections, not post-election realignments forged behind the scenes. “The mandate given by voters was for stability and cooperation as presented during elections, not for new alliances formed after elections through closed-door negotiations. “Changing a government without returning to the people is an affront to democracy and a clear betrayal of the people’s mandate,” it said. Dapsy warned that if such destabilising

In a statement, the DAP youth wing said PH’s top leadership must immediately review its ties with parties seen to be acting against the spirit of the Unity government, especially if there are clear signs of moves that could destabilise the administration. Dapsy reiterated its firm rejection of any form of “ pintu belakang ” (backdoor administration) arrangement at any level, describing such efforts as a direct assault on democratic principles and a shift towards power-driven, unprincipled politics. “Such practices not only damage democracy but also foster a political culture