Negeri Sembilan voters oppose changing state govt mid-term

 They say attempts to topple the state government before its term ends may deepen voter frustration and political fatigue.

Fourteen BN assemblymen withdrew support for Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun earlier this week. (Facebook pic)

SEREMBAN:

 Many voters in Negeri Sembilan have rejected moves to change the state government midway through its term following the withdrawal of support by 14 Umno assemblymen for menteri besar Aminuddin Harun.

Those who spoke with FMT said the mandate given by voters in the 2023 state election should be respected, and that continued political turmoil might drive voters away from the ballot box, especially the younger generation.

Zainal Mahmod.

Retiree Zainal Mahmod, 71, said the current administration should be allowed to serve out its term, as it was chosen by the people.

“If people think the current government is not good, wait until the next election. There will be no end if governments are changed halfway through.

“We do not want endless political turmoil,” he said, adding that he was a Barisan Nasional (BN) supporter.

Zainal also said that Negeri Sembilan’s customs, which are believed to be linked to the current crisis, should not be politicised.

Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias said the withdrawal of support for Aminuddin was due to a loss of confidence in his handling of an ongoing crisis involving four chieftains seeking to remove Negeri Sembilan Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir from his position.

The current Pakatan Harapan (PH)-BN administration was formed after the 2023 state election, where PH won 17 seats and BN secured 14.

Negeri Sembilan BN has claimed to have a simple majority in the 36-seat assembly to form the state government, with the support of Perikatan Nasional’s five assemblymen.

For 72-year-old Rosni Majid, the ongoing political drama could discourage younger Malaysians from taking part in elections.

“It would not be surprising if BN withdraws support from PH now, and later, PH or others do the same when BN is in power. It will never end.

“Even I feel tired of voting. I worry that young people will stop coming out to vote,” she said.

P Mariama.

Private sector worker P Mariama, 56, said changing the government or menteri besar would mean little if the rising cost of living remained unresolved.

“When the government falls or the menteri besar changes, that’s just politics. For me, voting once every five years is enough.

“Life remains the same after that. Prices are still high, salaries do not increase, and we still have to rent homes. There is no point changing the government if prices do not come down,” she said.

A trader in Lobak, who only wanted to be known as Loh Wai, said he was more concerned about keeping his hardware and building materials business afloat amid the global economic uncertainty triggered by the Middle East conflict.

“All politicians are the same,” the 56-year-old added.

Meanwhile, self-employed worker Mohamad Luman Hakim, 35, said fresh elections might be the only way out if the crisis drags on.

“If there is no solution, it is better to dissolve the state assembly and let the people choose a new government.

“If no party wins a majority after the election, then let Tuanku (Muhriz Tuanku Munawir) choose the menteri besar,” he said. - FMT