Zahid says the political impasse in Negeri Sembilan must be resolved strictly in accordance with the state constitution, assembly rules and established procedures.
CYBERJAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stressed that the political impasse in Negeri Sembilan must be resolved strictly in accordance with the state constitution, assembly rules and established procedures.
His comments follow a signal from Perikatan Nasional (PN) expressing its readiness to collaborate with BN to form a new state administration.
Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, emphasised that all parties must respect the legal and procedural framework before a political solution can be finalised.
“I hope we will follow the Constitution of the Negeri Sembilan state government as well as the rules of the state legislative assembly,” Zahid told reporters after launching the National Consumer Policy 2.0 and KPDN Enforcement Day celebrations today.
“The best approach is to adhere to all existing rules and procedures first to ensure that the process is properly observed,” he added.
When asked about PN’s willingness to cooperate with the 14 BN representative, a move that would grant a BN-PN alignment a 19-seat majority in the 36-seat assembly, Zahid maintained that the impasse would be settled through political channels.
However, he was firm that BN would not infringe upon the state’s unique customary laws (Adat Perpatih).
“We will resolve the current situation through political means and we will never interfere in the administration of the state government or in Negeri Sembilan’s customary laws.
“Our goal is to seek the best solution to ensure a strong government can continue to serve and address the needs of the people,” he said.
The crisis escalated after all 14 BN assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan withdrew support for Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
PN later said its five assemblymen were ready to cooperate with BN’s 14 representatives, a move that would give a possible BN-PN alignment 19 seats in the 36-seat assembly.
PH currently holds 17 seats, BN 14 and PN five.
Addressing warnings from Umno Youth against the formation of a “backdoor government,” Zahid highlighted the necessity of high-level consultations with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“That is why discussions with the Prime Minister are important. Political problems must be resolved politically, not through other means,” he said.
Zahid confirmed that he is scheduled to meet with Anwar later today to discuss the matter, though he declined to disclose the specific time.
