Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun today chaired a state executive council meeting despite the absence of BN exco members, who had resigned following the withdrawal of support by 14 Umno assemblypersons.
Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Aminuddin (above) - who remains to lead a minority government - said he is awaiting further instructions from PKR’s leadership.
He said Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir had instructed him to continue carrying out his duties as menteri besar as usual to ensure the smooth running of the state government.
“We were also asked to proceed with today’s meeting. The day-to-day running of the government continues as usual.
“Tuanku advised us to continue with meetings and resolve the people’s problems - the state must move forward. We will carry on with meetings; we don’t want any disruption to the rakyat.
“I leave it to the legal process and to Tuanku. If he says the government stands as it is for now, then so be it. I have been asked to continue (my duties) by the prime minister until an appropriate time,” he said.
The Negeri Sembilan political crisis erupted on Monday when 14 Umno assemblypersons led by state chairperson Jalaluddin Alias withdrew their support from Aminuddin.
However, Aminuddin remains as menteri besar by declaring a minority government backed by DAP and Amanah.
Perikatan Nasional later announced that its five assemblypersons were ready to cooperate with BN.
PN has three PAS assemblypersons - Kamarol Ridzuan Zain (Paroi), Abdul Fatah Zakaria (Bagan Pinang), and Fairuz Isa (Serting) - as well as two Bersatu assemblypersons, Hanifah Abu Baker (Labu) and Ridzuan Ahmad (Gemas).
No talks about filling exco vacancies
Aminuddin said today’s state government meeting did not discuss appointments, including the vacancies left by BN exco members.
“We did not discuss matters relating to appointments. The four exco vacancies have yet to be discussed.
“We will wait and see what may happen over the next one or two weeks. The position of menteri besar still depends on Tuanku’s authority,” he said.
Asked about speculation that four other BN assemblypersons would fill the vacant exco posts, as reported by some media today, Aminuddin said he had no information on the matter.
He added that there have been no discussions with BN since the crisis began.
‘No U-turn’
At a separate press conference in Seremban today, Jalaluddin denied speculations that four Umno assemblypersons had reversed their decisions and once again supported Aminuddin.
"Fake, everything remains and remains strong. Unchanged," he said.
Earlier, Sinar Harian reported that four Umno assemblypersons had made a “U-turn” and would be named to fill the vacant exco positions.
Among the names mentioned are Lenggeng assemblyperson, Asna Amin, who is also the Negeri Sembilan state legislative assembly deputy speaker.
Apart from Asna, Jeram Padang assemblyperson Zaidy Abdul Kadir, and Seri Menanti assemblyperson Sufian Maradzi also denied the speculations.
"As an Umno member, all decisions are made through party channels and not individual decisions.
"I leave all decisions to the president and the party leadership," Sufian said on Facebook.
Political impasse
Commenting on Umno’s claim that a state constitutional crisis led BN to withdraw support, Aminuddin said it was merely their view.
“I think that is their perspective. We see this as involving the royal institution, where the state government should remain neutral - we can only advise. But there are limits, as this involves powers related to customary laws and the monarchy,” he said.
Aminuddin added he would leave it to his party’s top leadership to determine the approach in resolving the political impasse.
“I leave it to them (the party leadership)… I will follow the central leadership’s instructions,” he said.
Separately, government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil said the cabinet was informed today on the latest political and administrative developments in Negeri Sembilan.
“The prime minister stressed that the Negeri Sembilan state administration will go on as normal.
“The federal government will not interfere in matters related to (local) customs,” the communications minister said during the weekly post-cabinet press conference in Putrajaya.
Fahmi said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Umno president, had further informed the cabinet that he would meet the Negeri Sembilan Umno elected representatives soon. - Mkini
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