Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has rejected the formation of a new state government or any “backdoor” administration in Negeri Sembilan.
This decision comes despite 14 assemblymen officially withdrawing their support for Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun, citing a total loss of confidence in his leadership.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, who serves as the transport minister, revealed that Ahmad Zahid expressed this firm stance during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
According to Loke, the move ensures that the current state administration remains functional despite the internal friction.
The Umno political bureau recently clarified that while its assemblymen no longer support the menteri besar personally, they remain committed to the unity government.
This distinction allows the existing coalition to maintain its hold on the state without triggering a collapse of the administration.
Non-interference in customary matters
The political tension in the state has been linked to unresolved issues involving customary institutions and the Undang.
Loke noted that these specific grievances fall under the jurisdiction of traditional institutions rather than the federal or state civil government.
He emphasised that the government cannot interfere in these traditional matters and must allow them to be resolved within their own frameworks.
The priority for the administration is to ensure that the menteri besar, the executive council, and all assemblymen continue their duties without interruption.
Maintaining stability is seen as the primary goal to ensure that state services and governance are not hindered by the ongoing dispute between the state representatives and the head of the administration.
Background of the crisis
The rift became public on April 27 when Negeri Sembilan Umno and Barisan Nasional withdrew support for the leadership of Aminuddin.
State Umno liaison committee chairman Jalaluddin Alias stated that the move was prompted by a crisis involving the Adat Perpatih customary system and its relationship with the state constitutional framework.
Jalaluddin, who is also the Pertang assemblyman, claimed that executive council members from Umno and Barisan Nasional were kept in the dark about discussions regarding these sensitive issues.
They reportedly only became aware of the depth of the crisis once it had escalated into a public debate.
During the announcement of the withdrawal of support, nearly all relevant assemblymen were present, with the exception of Rantau representative Mohamad Hasan.
When questioned about the involvement of cabinet-level ministers in the state-level dispute, Loke declined to comment, suggesting that inquiries be directed to the individuals involved.
