SEREMBAN: Negri Sembilan Umno Youth has denied allegations that the party dragged the state royal institution into political discourse during its 80th convention on Saturday (May 2), saying it had merely explained the Mentri Besar’s failure to manage the state’s customary and constitutional crises.
In a statement, the state Umno Youth said the issue raised concerned the actions of Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, which had created negative perceptions due to management weaknesses and non-compliance with the sensitivities of the state’s administrative structure.
It said any allegation that Umno was involved in a conspiracy of treason against the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, was grave slander.
The party, it said, would never support any unconstitutional effort to undermine the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
"The state Umno Youth reiterates once again the party’s unwavering loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz as the state ruler.
"Claims that the state Umno dragged the state royal institution into political discourse during the recent convention are inaccurate and misleading, as we have remained consistent in defending the royal institution, Adat Perpatih, and the positions of the state ruler, the four Undang, and Tunku Besar Tampin," it said on Monday (May 4).
The state Umno was responding to a statement by Sekretariat Taat Setia Sokongan Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negri Sembilan chairman Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin, who criticised the state Umno for allegedly dragging the royal institution into political discourse during the party’s recent 80th convention.
He said the move was an unforgivable act of treason.
Megat D Shahriman said the state royal institution, which symbolises the sovereignty of Adat Perpatih, had been reduced to cheap political fodder in a bid for support.
He said the group was also giving Umno’s 14 assemblymen 48 hours to apologise to Tuanku Muhriz, failing which it would seek legal advice on the matter.
Megat D Shahriman said the authorities should investigate the matter under the Sedition Act 1948, the Penal Code, and provisions related to violating the Negri Sembilan constitution, insulting royalty, and inciting public disorder.
The state Umno Youth described Megat D Shahriman’s accusations as baseless and as an attempt to divert public attention from the real issue concerning the Mentri Besar’s actions in crossing customary red lines and failing to properly manage the state crisis.
"The ‘rebellious’ (derhaka) label thrown at Umno is a form of political and perception manipulation.
"Reprimanding a Mentri Besar’s weaknesses and mistakes cannot be equated with disobedience to the royal institution. Rather, it is part of our party’s struggle and the agreement enshrined between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan in forming the unity government," it said.
The wing said the real focus was on the shortcomings, failures and damage that the Mentri Besar had allegedly caused to the state administration, and that the truth could not be hidden by threats or political intimidation.
It also said the matter should be resolved through proper channels, including the unity government consultative council, the state legislative assembly and the state constitution.
