Pakatan Harapan (PH) believed that maintaining the current political arrangement in Negeri Sembilan instead of calling a state election carried too much risk, according to DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook.
The Negeri Sembilan legislative assembly was dissolved on June 5, paving the way for the 16th state election to be held within 60 days.
The dissolution came after weeks of political tension triggered by the decision of all 14 Umno-Barisan Nasional assemblymen to withdraw support for Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun over his handling of the controversy involving four chieftains who sought the removal of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
Concerns over government stability
Speaking at a Negeri Sembilan DAP press conference in Seremban, Loke said PH was concerned about the risks associated with continuing the existing arrangement despite an understanding at the federal level that BN assemblymen would continue supporting the state government.
“Although there was an understanding at the federal level that BN assemblymen would continue to support the government, PH felt this was too big a risk to take,” he said.
Loke pointed out that the state legislative assembly is scheduled to convene in October, when the passage of the state budget would be the most important agenda.
“If it is not passed, the state assembly will be forced to dissolve, and an election must be held because the government would have lost its majority,” he said.
Returning the mandate to voters
Taking those factors into account, Loke said PH concluded that the most appropriate course of action was to return the mandate to the people and allow voters to determine who should govern the state.
“Taking this into account, PH decided that the best course of action would be to return the mandate to the people and allow them to decide who should govern the state,” he said.
He added that DAP accepted the decision and was prepared to defend all 11 seats it currently holds in the upcoming election.
PH targets strong showing at the polls
Loke also confirmed that he will defend his Chennah seat, which he has represented in the Negeri Sembilan legislative assembly since 2013.
He said PH is aiming to secure at least 20 seats in the state election, pointing to the coalition’s achievement of winning 20 seats in the 2018 polls.
Loke also announced that PH’s election machinery is expected to be officially launched on Friday as preparations for the state election gather pace.
