SEREMBAN: DAP has reiterated its support for Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun to continue as Mentri Besar and would oppose any move to form a backdoor government, says Anthony Loke.
The DAP secretary-general said the party also remained loyal and supported the royal institution in the state comprising the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, the Undang Yang Empat (four ruling chiefs) and the Tunku Besar Tampin.
"It has to be made clear that we (Pakatan and Barisan Nasional) had already formed an understanding to form the unity government before the last state election was held in Aug 2023, and after the unity government was formed at the federal level.
"We had campaigned together on a unity government platform, that is PH and Barisan, and then received the mandate from the people," he said, adding that any decision to go against this mandate meant disrespect for the people.
He said Aminuddin can only be removed as Mentri Besar through a motion of no confidence tabled in the state assembly, which gets the majority support, or the state ruler gives his consent to appoint a new MB.
"The state DAP had an emergency meeting just now where all 11 assemblymen, including me, agreed that Aminuddin should continue as MB.
"So, his position is safe until proven otherwise," he said, adding that what was most important was that the state government was able to continue to function as usual to ensure all development plans are carried out accordingly.
Separately, Loke said that although the DAP respected and upheld the royal institution of Negri Sembilan and would not get involved in any related matter, the state laws stipulate that any move by the Undang to depose Tuanku Muhriz could only be carried out after a complete inquiry by the ruling chiefs.
"We are not in any way getting involved in the royal crisis as we respect the process and the royal institution and the adat (customary laws) as provided by the Laws of the Constitution of Negri Sembilan 1959).
"We also agree that the Undang have the powers to appoint or remove the state ruler, but Article 10 of the state laws explicitly states this can only be carried out after a complete inquiry by the Undang.
"We are of the opinion that the process has not been completed (as stated by the state laws)," he said.
Loke said all state assemblymen, including those from Perikatan Nasional who were present at the opening of the state assembly by Tuanku Muhriz on Thursday, accepted that he was the legitimate Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan.
As such, he said that the position of Tuanku Muhriz as the state ruler had to be defended until the entire process was completed.
State Amanah chief Datuk MK Ibrahim Abdul Rahman, who was also present, said the party would also continue to back Aminuddin.
"We have been surprised by what happened earlier today, but on our part, we will continue to support Aminuddin as MB.
"Apart from the state ruler, it is only the state legislative assembly that can determine Aminuddin's fate," he said.
He said Amanah was also disappointed with the move by Barisan to withdraw support for Aminuddin.
"Before the state polls, we had even agreed to allow Barisan to contest the Lenggeng seat as we were sincere in wanting to face the state election together.
"But despite Barisan's decision, we in the state government will continue to serve to the best of our ability," he added.
