‘Tolak Umno’ cries ring out as PH bigwigs defend Negeri Sembilan MB

 PH leaders including Loke Siew Fook, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and Mohamad Sabu voice support for Aminuddin Harun at a ceramah in Seremban.

PH leaders including Loke Siew Fook and Saifuddin Nasution Ismail at a ceramah in Paroi, Seremban, last night. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Chants of “Tolak Umno” rang out at a Pakatan Harapan (PH) ceramah in Paroi, Seremban, last night after several coalition leaders concluded their speeches, despite repeated calls for calm.

Hundreds of PH supporters gathered near the Tunku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Seremban for the event, many dressed in their party colours, including blue-and-white PKR T-shirts bearing the words “Team Tok Min”, a reference to menteri besar Aminuddin Harun.

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said actions should not be driven by emotions, but by a clear understanding of the realities surrounding the Negeri Sembilan crisis.

“There are issues involving the royal institution and matters concerning the chieftains. We respect those institutions and do not interfere,” he said.

Loke, the Seremban MP, added that such issues must be resolved within the royal institution itself. Until then, no major decisions can be reached, he said.

“First, a new menteri besar cannot be appointed because there cannot be a swearing-in ceremony. New executive council members also cannot be appointed. Even the dissolution of the assembly cannot be carried out.

“The administration remains status quo until the matter is resolved, so there is no question of any party taking over the menteri besar’s post. Tok Min remains,” said Loke, who is also the transport minister.

He said he understood the anger and calls for the immediate dissolution of the state assembly, but stressed that the government would continue administering the country and state properly before taking the fight to the opposition when the time was right.

The political crisis in Negeri Sembilan was triggered after all 14 Umno-Barisan Nasional assemblymen in the state withdrew their support for Aminuddin over his handling of the crisis involving four chieftains seeking to remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

PH secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail described the withdrawal of support as “very regrettable”.

“If the people’s interests had been considered, such a thing would not have happened,” he said, adding that confidence must remain in (Prime Minister) Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership and Aminuddin’s administration.

Others who spoke at the ceramah included Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, Negeri Sembilan Amanah chief MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman, Wanita Amanah chief Aiman Athirah Sabu, and Adly Zahari, the deputy defence minister from the same party.

Anwar did not attend the event, although his image featured prominently on the stage backdrop, posters, and official programme.

Aminuddin, who also spoke at the event, said earlier that the political crisis in the state should serve as a lesson for PH component party members and supporters to remain calm and united. - FMT