PETALING JAYA: They say it never rains, but it pours. That seems true of Negri Sembilan.
A royalty crisis in the state has barely abated, and a fresh political crisis has now rocked the state government to its core.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun now leads a minority government after 14 Barisan Nasional assemblymen retracted their support for him.
He has not tendered his resignation, so the government can remain for now, says Ilham Centre chief executive officer Hisommudin Bakar.
“The situation now hinges on the state legislative assembly sitting,” he said.
A vote of no confidence with the 14 Barisan and five Perikatan Nasional assemblymen voting against him will see Aminuddin ousted.
“It is now a matter of waiting for clarity either through the assembly sitting or for Barisan and Perikatan to cooperate and nominate a new Mentri Besar,” he added.
However, he said the development has a direct impact on the legitimacy of the Mentri Besar and the position of the state government, as the strength of any administration rests on having clear majority support.
Barisan’s withdrawal of support for a Pakatan Harapan-led government not only undermines the political authority of the Mentri Besar but also creates the perception that the current administration is facing a legitimacy crisis, he said.
“From a governance perspective, such a situation can erode confidence among the bureaucracy, investors and the public. Political uncertainty affects governmental effectiveness,” he said.
“Within Malaysia’s democratic practice, a minority government is not commonly adopted,” said Hisommudin.
“Therefore, the loss of a majority raises serious questions about the Mentri Besar’s position.”
“By convention, a new Mentri Besar would need to be appointed from among those who command majority support.
“The risk of the government collapsing is no longer political speculation,” he added.
On the impact of the crisis on Barisan-Pakatan ties, Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said it may create a perception of cracks within the partnership and provide ammunition for opponents’ narratives.
“On the positive side, however, it could compel both parties to refine the terms of cooperation, clarify lines of authority and strengthen conflict management mechanisms ahead of the elections.
“In mature coalition politics, crises can sometimes reinforce rather than weaken cooperation,” he said.
At the federal level, the impact is more of a political signal than a direct threat.
It may influence seat negotiations and the level of trust between Pakatan and Barisan.
“That said, both sides have a greater incentive to preserve the existing framework of cooperation rather than allow a state-level crisis to disrupt the national arrangement,” he added.
Awang Azman said that amid a backdrop of a royal crisis, the best course of action would be to return to peaceful mechanisms and negotiations that respect both custom and the constitution.
“This crisis must not be allowed to create a power vacuum.
“The state needs certainty as to who holds the legitimate authority to consent to the dissolution of the assembly, to endorse the appointment of a caretaker government or to receive the oath of any new appointee.
“Without such clarity, any political steps risk being challenged on grounds of legitimacy,” he said.
Lawyer Lim Wei Jiet said the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir – whose position is also being challenged – still has the power to decide, including decreeing Aminuddin to continue his duties.
“As of now, he is still the valid and legitimate Ruler. So yes, His Royal Highness will have the discretion to select an assemblyperson who he feels has the majority of the state assembly as Mentri Besar,” he said.
