The absence of a state executive council (exco) is holding up investment and business matters requiring state approval in Negeri Sembilan, says former menteri besar Aminuddin Harun.
Aminuddin, who is Negeri Sembilan Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said the state government had been unable to function normally nearly two months after taking office, leaving key decisions on state policies and approvals pending.
‘But how to carry out these duties without an exco? Investors, business people and property agents are waiting,’ he said in his speech at the Negeri Sembilan DAP convention in Seremban.
‘Those who need approvals from the state executive council have to wait again and again. This is undermining the state’s development efforts.’
Exco vacuum raises concerns over investment
Aminuddin said the situation could undermine investor confidence and urged Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) to consider the implications for the state rather than focus on their own interests.
‘Investors are beginning to have doubts. This is something the Barisan Nasional (and Perikatan Nasional) government should be thinking about, rather than just its own interests,’ he said.
Negeri Sembilan has been without an exco since Sept 20, when all 10 state executive councillors were removed from office for breaching their oaths of office.
The dismissal followed a statement issued by the councillors five days earlier endorsing a declaration seeking to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as Yang Dipertuan Besar.
However, menteri besar Ismail Lasim said the absence of exco members would not jeopardise the tabling of the state’s 2027 budget.
Ismail said the state government could submit the budget prepared by its departments directly to the state assembly without the exco.
Aminuddin urges PH to strengthen support
In his speech, Aminuddin expressed regret that his state government had lost power despite its achievements. He blamed attacks on DAP and the exploitation of racial issues by BN and PN.
He urged Negeri Sembilan PH to strengthen the coalition and work towards retaining its existing parliamentary seats while winning more in the next general election.
Aminuddin also identified Tampin, Kuala Pilah and Rembau as parliamentary seats PH should target.
‘It is okay that we lost. The people in Negeri Sembilan are seeing what is happening, and I am confident that they can figure out who can get the job done and who only talks big but cannot carry out their responsibilities.
‘We have time. Keep working and ensure that we can win the next general election and add more seats,’ he said.
