HAS UMNO started to show its true colours by capitalising on the Negeri Sembilan (NS) royal crisis to topple the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led state government in the quest to form its own government?
“UMNO is plotting to take over the federal government while the disjointed PKR looks on helplessly,” observed one Malaysiakini subscriber in reaction to the latest self-explanatory headline “N. Sembilan UMNO withdraws support for MB, Madani state gov’t may collapse”.
Apparently, state UMNO chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias claimed that all 14 UMNO/Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen in NS have lost confidence in Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, hence withdrawing their support for the state government under his leadership.
According to Jalaluddin, the bloc had reached a unanimous decision, signalling a significant shift in support within the state assembly. He further noted that the state UMNO only became aware of the on-going royal dispute once the issue became public knowledge.
“We also wish to emphasise that we fully support and uphold the adat institutions, the Federal Constitution and the Laws of the Constitution of the NS state government.,” Jalaluddin who is also a two-term Jelebu MP told a media conference this morning (April 27).
“We want a stable government that can perform its role effectively in administering the state while focusing on efforts to improve the well-being of the people and the state’s economy.”
‘Old habit die hard’
Given that 19 seats are needed to form the NS state government with PH having only 17 (UMNO controlling 14 and Perikatan Naisomal [PN] five, BN’s exit will effectively cause the state government to collapse.
As highlighted by Malaysiakini, there are two possible scenarios following this”
- Either BN compels PH to support one of its 14 state assemblymen to become MB to keep the Madani pact intact; or
- BN resorting to team up with the opposition PN which provide the just right seat count of 19 (14+5) but eventually leading to the collapse of the Madani coalition at the state level.
Moreover, UMNO’s sudden withdrawal of support for MB Aminuddin who is also a PKR vice-president and the Madani state government could be a “clear indication that the party is instigating or intensifying the current palace-linked crisis for its own political advantage, especially as reports are circulating that GE16 may be held within this year”
“Instead of contributing to stability, UMNO’s manoeuvre appears to be pouring fuel on the fire at a highly sensitive moment,” lamented another Malaysiakini subscriber.
This political gambit risks dragging the (NS) Palace into a deeper constitutional and public legitimacy quagmire with the state government’s continuity now in question.
This is particularly troubling given that legal experts have already stated that the MB’s statements and actions are in accordance with the NS state constitution.
In other words, the constitutional position of the MB is on firm legal ground and the present turmoil seems driven less by law than by political calculations.
If so, UMNO’s withdrawal of support in NS looks less like a principled stand and more like an attempt to re-shape the political landscape ahead of a potential early general election.
Editor’s Note: On April 20, Aminuddin who is also the four-term Sikamat state assemblyman contended that the action by Datuk Mubarak Dohak in signing and reading a declaration to remove the NS ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir is not recognised and cannot be accepted.
He said the declaration has no legal or customary standing because Mubarak no longer holds any authority or position as Undang Luak Sungai Ujong and that the act itself is also inconsistent with Articles 10 to 12 of the NS Constitution (UUTKNS) 1959.
At the end of the day, is this the case of “Madani is unravelling starting with NS”?
“Now the Chameleon (a moniker for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim among Malaysiakini readers) is finding out the true intent of UMNO to its detriment! His ‘one foot on two boats’ is the cause!” jibed another Malaysiakini subscriber.
“Because of this, PH is best advised to split from UMNO in all the states and national governments IMMEDIATELY!”
Below are more insinuations of backstabbing.
- Focus Malaysia
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