KUALA LUMPUR: Umno will meet Pakatan Harapan’s leadership soon to address issues surrounding Negri Sembilan, amid tensions over the state’s political direction.
The Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki (pic) said the meeting would be held following a resolution by the party’s political bureau, which called for both sides to engage and resolve matters involving policy and party positions.
“We will be meeting in the coming week,” he said at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
He said he had yet to receive a formal explanation from Negri Sembilan Umno leaders following remarks suggesting the state was prepared to act as the opposition in the state assembly.
“I have not received any clarification from them because, at the central level, the political bureau has made a decision,” he said.
He stressed that the issue in Negri Sembilan must be addressed through the framework agreed upon by parties in the unity government, particularly in handling disputes and misunderstandings.
“The most important thing is for us to sit down with Pakatan Harapan’s political bureau to examine several matters involving the policies of both parties.
He added that any disagreement should be resolved through established mechanisms under the unity government, including the leadership consultative council.
“When misunderstandings or disputes arise, we have a platform – the leadership consultative council – and that is what we will utilise,” he said.
Asked whether the upcoming meeting would determine the appointment of a new mentri besar, Asyraf said the matter was broader than any individual.
“That may be one of them, but I can say that the issue in Negri Sembilan is not merely about any individual.
“This concerns institutions. It also involves the sovereignty of the royal institution and customs that must be fully understood,” he added.
Meanwhile, Asyraf who is also Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman has urged Kolej Poly-Tech Mara Sdn Bhd to conduct a comprehensive review of safety and student welfare across its institutions to prevent a recurrence of violent crimes.
Asyraf said this was to ensure any shortcomings or weaknesses within the institution were identified and addressed thoroughly.
He was responding to a question about Nurfisya Zulkifly, 19, from Kuala Kangsar, Perak, who was found by members of the public at about 12.30am on April 30 in a pool of blood after being stabbed 61 times.
“We are deeply saddened. On behalf of Mara’s management, I extend our condolences to the family.
“This incident is truly heartbreaking for all of us,” he said.
Following the incident, two 19-year-old male suspects and an elderly married couple were arrested to assist investigations.
