Royal dispute throws a wrench in N Sembilan political manoeuvres

 

The royal crisis between Negeri Sembilan ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir and the state’s four territorial chieftains has created an impasse that effectively blocked Umno’s attempt to replace Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun, who is from PKR.

Highly placed sources in Pakatan Harapan and BN indicated that, despite BN withdrawing the support of all of its 14 assemblypersons for Aminuddin, there’s nothing they can do about it.

This is due to the Yang di-Pertuan Besar’s alleged refusal to grant BN an audience, where it is understood the coalition intended to propose a new menteri besar.

“Secondly, any decision to dissolve the state assembly or swear in a new menteri besar also needs to be signed off by the Undang Yang Empat (chieftains).

“Since the four undangs no longer recognise the state ruler, how can the state assembly be dissolved or a new menteri besar be appointed?

“Everything has now come to a standstill. Even the opening of this year’s first state assembly sitting has had its legitimacy disputed due to the absence of the undangs,” said a source in Umno.

Negeri Sembilan ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir officiating the state assembly sitting on April 23 without the Undang Yang Empat

The party insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that any further steps can only happen after the royal feud is resolved.

Following Umno’s special political bureau meeting last night, party secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said Umno respects the lawmakers’ position on Aminuddin’s leadership but would maintain their support for the Negeri Sembilan government, citing political stability and the people’s welfare. 

He said Umno is seeking a meeting with Harapan’s political bureau to iron out issues, which, according to Jeram Padang assemblyperson Zaidy Abdul Kadir, include determining the next menteri besar.

Limited choices

While the decision has practically put off speculations of a potential collaboration between BN and Perikatan Nasional to form a state government, the current coalition government is also in a tight spot should a change in menteri besar be required to cease hostilities.

A state Harapan leader told Malaysiakini that since the coalition holds the most seats, it should have the power to decide the top state executive position.

However, of the 17 Harapan lawmakers, only four are Malay Muslims: Aminuddin, Tengku Zamrah Tengku Sulaiman, Noorzunita Begum Ibrahim, and Bakri Sawir. The first three are from PKR, while Bakri is from Amanah.

While the state constitution only specifies that a menteri besar must be “of the Malay race and professes the Muslim religion”, the state, like every other in the peninsula, has never had a woman appointed to the top executive position.

This leaves Harapan with practically one choice other than Aminuddin, Amanah’s Bakri.

However, a PKR leader believed Bakri’s chance is slim.

Bakri Sawir

“I don’t think so (that Bakri would be chosen),” said the source.

The insider also signalled that the situation might remain status quo until the next state election.

Aminuddin has already received royal consent to head a minority government - and the only issue that could arise is when the state has to table a new budget later this year. - Mkini