Malay rights in N Sembilan would have been at risk if not for Umno, says KJ

 

Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has urged Malay-Muslim voters in Negeri Sembilan to return their support for BN in the upcoming state polls.

In a speech at the launch of the Seremban Umno Youth and Puteri meeting, he said only Umno-BN can safeguard the community's interests, alleging that caretaker menteri besar Aminuddin Harun had failed to do so.

Pointing to the racial composition of Pakatan Harapan representatives in the state assembly, Khairy said the Malay-Muslims had a good thing going in the previous state government as it had 14 Umno lawmakers to represent the group's interests.

"If there were only four Malay representatives out of 31 state assembly members, whose voice do you think would be louder in the government?

"This is not about being racist. But representatives from other communities would surely fight for their people, which is their right to do so.

"But if they have only four Malay representatives to speak for issues regarding our community, their voices would inevitably be drowned out.

"Fortunately, we (Umno) were part of the state government after the previous election, because the ones that defended the Malays in Negeri Sembilan were the 14 assemblypersons from BN," Khairy told some 200 delegates.

‘Weak’ Harapan MB

The former Rembau MP also accused Aminuddin of being powerless and under DAP's control, which holds the most seats among Harapan parties.

Caretaker MB Aminuddin Harun

Harapan and BN had gone into the 2023 Negeri Sembilan state election under an electoral pact to avoid clashes and won 17 and 14 seats, respectively. Of Harapan's 17, 11 were held by DAP, while PKR had five, and Amanah one.

Together, the coalitions formed a state government, while Perikatan Nasional remained in the opposition after only winning five seats.

Harapan also made way for BN's Asna Amin at the Malay-majority Lenggeng seat, which Suhaimi Kassim of Amanah previously held.

However, the relationship between Harapan and BN in Negeri Sembilan soured in April following a royal dispute between the state's four territorial chiefs and its ruler, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

The state BN accused Aminuddin of failing to manage the issue properly, leading to its 14 lawmakers withdrawing their support for the menteri besar.

Their attempt to topple Aminuddin, however, failed after an intervention by the federal Harapan and BN leadership.

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'Solo or unity govt again?

While BN has announced its plan to go solo in the state polls, Khairy urged party members to leave any decision to BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ex-Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

"It is not our place to make such a decision. We can give our opinion and present it as our wish as the party grassroots members.

"But what is important now, whether we go solo or have to work together, is that the dignity of Islam and Malays will depend on Umno and BN's strength in Negeri Sembilan.

"That is why in this election, while we prefer to go solo, InsyaAllah, but if we have to work together (with Harapan), then we shall follow the leadership's decision.

"Regardless, we aim to make sure that Umno will continue to defend the interests of the Malays and Muslims in this state," he added. - Mkini