KUALA LUMPUR: Negri Sembilan Umno is prepared to serve as the opposition if necessary, says state chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias.
Jalaluddin said the party’s position was based on principle rather than political gain, stressing that the decision reflected its commitment to accountability.
“We are willing to be in the opposition rather than remain in the state government, in order to scrutinise any mistakes made by the Mentri Besar (Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun).
“We are not doing this for positions or to disrupt the party’s positive momentum, but because there are principles that cannot be compromised.
“Any decisions we make are rooted in dignity that cannot be sold or bought, and in a sacred promise that we uphold,” he said in his speech at Umno’s 80th anniversary celebration held at the World Trade Centre on Saturday (May 2).
Jalaluddin added that he had found himself in a difficult position while trying to defend the state administration during the crisis, insisting that his priority was to maintain stability in Negri Sembilan.
“We were deeply uncomfortable and disappointed when the Mentri Besar was seen to have interfered in adat matters and failed to manage the crisis properly.
“I have expressed my frustration and raised concerns over how the situation had been handled without proper consultation, in a group with the exco members and party leaders.
“The crisis needed to be resolved through dialogue and mediation, rather than unilateral decisions. However, the situation continued to escalate.
“Umno then took the position that it could no longer remain silent, given the seriousness of the institutional crisis,” he said.
Jalaluddin added that while Umno had been accused of betraying the state government, there was never any attempt to overthrow it.
“When we withdrew support, there were various views, and one or two leaders whom I do not wish to name said Umno had betrayed the unity government and that we wanted to sabotage (tebuk atap).
“But Umno won 14 seats in the 2023 state election, whereas PKR secured five, Amanah (1), and DAP (11). As a single party, we won big, so if we wanted to take over the government, we could have done so then.
“Instead, we respected the decision of the party leadership to form a unity government in the interest of stability and service to the people,” he said.
Jalaluddin added that the state party leadership is now fully focused on preparing for the 16th General Election and expressed confidence that Umno could regain its dominant position if it remained united and disciplined.
He also urged party members not to jeopardise Umno’s future for short-term considerations, including personal or political interests.
“I take full responsibility for this crisis, and as the state chairman, I am responsible for ensuring that Umno remains on a dominant path,” he said.
