KUALA LUMPUR: The decision by the 14 Barisan Nasional assemblymen from Negri Sembilan to withdraw their support for the state government was made independently, says coalition chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said he knew of the plan but was informed of the decision only after it was made. Ahmad Zahid, who is Umno president, said the national Umno leadership would respect the decision made by leaders and assemblymen of that state.
“We are aware of their plans and the subsequent announcement.
“However, within Umno’s system, we respect and accommodate decisions made by the respective state liaison bodies and state assembly representatives,” he said.
The Barisan chief was asked to comment on the decision by the 14 assemblymen to withdraw support for Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
However, Ahmad Zahid brushed off an offer by the state Perikatan Nasional assemblymen to join hands with Barisan to form the state government, saying it was “a deal made by opportunists”.
“In politics, there are always opportunities being sought, and these are the opportunities they are trying to seize.”
Ahmad Zahid said he would meet with the Umno state assemblymen as soon as possible.
“This matter will be referred and brought to the Umno political bureau.”
He said he and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the PKR president, may meet to discuss the issue.
Negri Sembilan Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said the 14 assemblymen had lost confidence in Aminuddin’s leadership in relation to the handling of the state royal crisis.
The crisis started when the four Undang decided to remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir on grounds of misconduct.
