KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has reaffirmed its commitment to remain in the Negri Sembilan unity government, saying that any decision on a possible change of Mentri Besar will be made by Pakatan Harapan.
Dispelling any suggestion of a rift with his deputy, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also said Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has been actively working to resolve the situation in the state.
The decision to remain in the state unity government, he said, was made by the Negri Sembilan Umno liaison body as well as its 14 state assemblymen, and endorsed by the party’s political bureau.
The decision, he added, was clear and unanimous.
“There is no question of pulling out to become the opposition. That issue does not arise at all,” he said yesterday.
On May 2, Negri Sembilan Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said it was prepared to serve as the opposition if necessary.
Jalaluddin said the party’s position was based on principle, rather than political gain, stressing that the decision reflected its commitment to accountability.
On April 27, he said all 14 Umno assemblymen in the state had lost confidence in Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun’s leadership in relation to the handling of the state royal crisis.
Ahmad Zahid subsequently said the decision by the assemblymen was made independently.
During the interview, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said while some perceptions may have emerged regarding the Mentri Besar’s position, the appointment ultimately lies with the leadership of the coalition parties forming the state government.
“Perhaps the interpretation and perception is that they do not want the Mentri Besar.
“I have mentioned that the question of who becomes Mentri Besar is determined by the leadership of the coalition parties.
“In this case, Pakatan will decide on the Mentri Besar should Aminuddin no longer command the confidence of coalition party members in the Negri Sembilan unity government.”
Addressing claims of tension between him and Mohamad, Ahmad Zahid dismissed suggestions of a rift.
“It is unfair to make such accusations. He has been engaging in discussions and consultations with me to find a solution.”
Ahmad Zahid also likened the situation in Negri Sembilan to a “tangled thread”, adding that the party was aware of the root causes and taking a careful, measured approach to resolve the issue.
“We must untangle the thread slowly and with care,” he said, underscoring the need for a thoughtful resolution as Umno seeks to maintain stability within the Negri Sembilan government.
