Akmal rejects BN forming ‘backdoor’ govt in Negeri Sembilan

 The Umno Youth chief says Barisan Nasional should either sit in the opposition or push for a state assembly dissolution to allow for a snap election.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh said he has been consistent in opposing backdoor governments since the Sheraton Move in 2020, which led to the PH federal government’s collapse.

PETALING JAYA:

 Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has voiced opposition towards Barisan Nasional forming a “backdoor” Negeri Sembilan government with Perikatan Nasional.

In a Facebook post, Akmal said his stand on manoeuvres to topple administrations has been consistent ever since the Sheraton Move in February 2020 that led to the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government.

At the same time, he said, Umno must not compromise when red lines are crossed.

He was referring to menteri besar Aminuddin Harun’s apparent involvement in the ongoing crisis involving a bid by four chieftains to remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

“I oppose any form of a backdoor government,” he said. “If red lines outlined by Umno have been crossed, then we must defend our principles more than we defend our posts.

“Umno has two choices in Negeri Sembilan: either join the opposition honourably, or (push to) dissolve the state assembly to give the people a fresh mandate. Fullstop,” said the Merlimau assemblyman.

This comes after Negeri Sembilan BN claimed to have a simple majority to form a new state government with the backing of PN’s five assemblymen.

Negeri Sembilan BN, which has 14 assemblymen, said it would set aside all ideological differences with PN for the sake of the people to ensure that a stable government can be formed immediately.

Earlier today, the 14 BN assemblymen withdrew their support for Aminuddin, who has the backing of 17 Pakatan Harapan assemblymen.

The backing of 19 assemblymen in the 36-member Negeri Sembilan assembly is needed to form the state government. - FMT