Aminuddin: We will abide by presidential council’s stand

SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan Pakatan Harapan government is still in favour of holding the state election next year but will abide by whatever decision is made by its presidential council, says state chief Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun (pic).

Aminuddin, who is also Mentri Besar, said although the Pakatan machinery was ready, it felt that it was improper to hold the state polls this year due to the possibility of inclement weather and floods.

“In my recent audience with the state ruler (Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir), I briefed Tuanku that we plan to hold the state polls next year.

“The Ruler said as long as the state government had the mandate, this was entirely up to us, but Tuanku reminded me that our priority is to look into the well-being of the people, what more with the oncoming monsoon season,” he told reporters after chairing the state exco meeting at Wisma Negri.

Aminuddin said it was not proper to hold the state election this year as those involved in managing the floods and the election were the same individuals.

“The district officer is the person in charge of the disaster committees at his level, and he is also the individual responsible in his area during the election. So, if we have floods and an election at the same time, where is the district officer supposed to be?” he asked.

He said the district officer was also responsible for sending out instructions, aid and financial help during a disaster, but if he was required to be at the nomination or polling centres, he would not be able to execute his duties well.

In August, Aminuddin said the Negri Sembilan Pakatan was ready to face the polls, adding that the state PKR machinery, including Amanah and DAP, had started having briefings several months ago.

On a separate matter, Aminuddin said the anti-hopping law will be tabled at the next sitting on Oct 17.