JOHOR BARU: Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has delivered a scathing rebuke of political allies Umno, accusing them of a "total lack of loyalty" and sabotaging the unity state government from within.
The PKR Vice President used the metaphor of a "big ship” built by Pakatan Harapan to describe the strength of their administration in the state.
“While these allies once displayed loyalty as part of the crew, they ultimately turned on the coalition when it suited them.
"They bore holes from within and water entered. I wondered why the ship was sabotaged without any explanation, signs, and expression of dissatisfaction,” he said as the Negri Sembilan representative at the Pakatan convention at Persada Johor International Convention Centre here on Sunday (May 17).
He expressed disappointment that this betrayal occurred without any prior discussion or consensus, leaving both the leadership and the public in shock.
He also questioned the sincerity of those who claimed to be friends in their struggle.
"Anytime they want, they can leave us. They can choose which state they want to be with and reject us where they don't want us,” he added.
Despite the leaks caused by the betrayal, Aminuddin maintained that Pakatan had successfully patched the holes and emerged stronger.
He urged supporters to return to the grassroots and remain disciplined, following the lead of the Pakatan presidency to ensure a stable and good government.
On April 27, 14 Umno assemblymen withdrew support for Aminuddin’s government, which also led to the resignation of Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, Datuk Ismail Lasim, Datuk Mustapha Nagoor and Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli as state executive councillors.
On May 5, both Umno and Pakatan Harapan leadership unanimously agreed to maintain the unity government framework in the state.
Negri Sembilan, Johor and Melaka representatives were each given a 10-minute slot to speak at the convention as they are named focus seats, while other state representatives were given a slot of eight minutes to speak.
Meanwhile, Melaka PKR chief Adam Adli reminded Pakatan to remain focused and stay true to its principles.
“As we hold positions as the ruling party, whether at the state or Federal level, we may become complacent with the added comfort, convenience and privilege that come with it.
“We must not allow these things to distract us, change us, or turn us into something different from what we stood for in the beginning,” he said.
He added that Pakatan was currently at a very critical point as it had entered its fourth year as the federal government.
“We gather at a very critical moment, a time that tests our struggle and our loyalty to the principles and beliefs we have upheld all this while.
“I hope that as we enter our fourth year as the government, we also recognise that we are entering a very important phase in our political journey,” he said.
