KUALA LUMPUR: The handling of the Negri Sembilan issue by Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) demonstrates that differences within the unity government can be managed with maturity and restraint.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said discussions among senior leaders, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, had given him confidence that the matter would be handled appropriately.
Fahmi said the episode reflected the maturity of the unity government, which has been in place at federal level and in several state administrations for about three years, adding that the matter would be further discussed by top leaders.
"I see this as a test, and we have managed it very carefully, in an orderly and mature manner.
"We cannot ignore the fact that there are differing views, but the way forward must be handled with wisdom and restraint.
"What we want is a stable administration, as Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Umno leaders themselves have said. We want the unity government to continue, including in Negri Sembilan.
"Insya-Allah, in the upcoming meeting of top leaders, there will be discussions on how to manage this," he said during a live "Tanya – Jangan Sentap!" session uploaded on his Facebook page.
The political uncertainty in Negri Sembilan arose following the withdrawal of support by 14 BN assemblymen for Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, reportedly over a dispute involving the Undang Yang Empat and the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
On Saturday, Zahid, who is BN chairman and Umno president, said he believed the political standoff in Negri Sembilan was "almost over", despite the state BN leadership maintaining its position to withdraw support for Aminuddin.
Zahid said Umno's position was that the 14 assemblymen would remain within the unity government.
Fahmi said Anwar, who is PKR president, had called several leaders for discussions following a National Economic Action Council (NEAC) meeting and a press conference by Negri Sembilan BN on the political impasse.
"In that discussion, I saw a very good atmosphere. There was decorum and understanding," he said.
He added that Umno later held discussions with the 14 assemblymen, while PH engaged the Menteri Besar through PKR to better understand the situation.
Fahmi said the issue did not begin as a political dispute, but as an adat matter in which both federal and state governments did not interfere.
He said rebuilding confidence in Negri Sembilan would take time, and leaders should not be influenced by attempts to exploit the situation politically.
He also pointed to the 2020 Sheraton Move as a reminder of the cost of political instability, adding that the current administration must focus on delivering results for the people.
"These leaders, from what I can see, remember what happened. We want to learn from it.
"And I believe Umno leaders also do not want to be associated with the 'traitor' label from the Sheraton Move," he added. - NST
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