Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun will continue duties after briefing the state monarch, despite 14 Umno assemblymen withdrawing support.
PETALING JAYA: Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has affirmed that he will continue to discharge his duties as the state’s leader, despite the formal withdrawal of support by 14 Umno assemblymen earlier today.
Speaking at a press conference in Seremban, Aminuddin confirmed that he has briefed the state’s monarch, Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, on the fluid political situation.
“I have informed the Yang di-Pertuan Besar regarding the current status of support among state assembly members.
“After careful consideration, I have been commanded to continue my responsibilities as Menteri Besar as usual, in accordance with the law,” Aminuddin told reporters.
The statement indicates that the Palace has not moved to dissolve the assembly or appoint a successor for the time being.
Also present at the briefing were Negeri Sembilan DAP Chairman and Chennah assemblyman Anthony Loke, and State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman.
Aminuddin acknowledged that while the withdrawal of Barisan Nasional (BN) has left the political landscape unclear, the state government will continue to function in line with the Negeri Sembilan Constitution.
“It is still not clear regarding our partners in Barisan Nasional, 14 out of 36, and I have also been informed of potential support from Perikatan Nasional.
“However, we can still function as a minority government and carry out our responsibilities,” he said, stressing that a loss of majority does not automatically trigger a collapse of the administration.
Aminuddin revealed that the move by Umno caught the administration by surprise, as prior discussions had focused merely on the postponement of the state assembly sitting.
He added that he has yet to fully review the formal letter submitted by the 14 assemblymen.
To resolve the impasse, Aminuddin suggested that a state assembly sitting may eventually be convened to formally determine the government’s standing.
In the interim, he provided assurances that governance would remain uninterrupted.
“No one will be left behind. When things are heated, we must calm the situation. We are confident these issues can be managed, even though there are differing views,” he said.
The drama unfolded earlier today, when all 14 BN assemblymen declared a loss of confidence in Aminuddin, citing his handling of a dispute involving four local chieftains (Undang).
With BN’s exit, the Pakatan Harapan-led administration currently holds 17 seats in the 36-seat assembly, just two seats shy of the 19-seat simple majority.
