SEREMBAN: There is no divide within Negri Sembilan Umno and all its assemblymen support Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim, says Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias.
The Negri Sembilan party chief denied claims that the state chapter is divided into three camps loyal to him, Ismail and Lenggeng assemblyman Datuk Mohd Asna Amin.
"These are attempts to pit leaders against one another," he said after a meeting with all Barisan assemblymen and Umno division chiefs in Wisma Umno here on Saturday (Nov 7).
Ismail was also present.
"It has never crossed my mind to unseat the Mentri Besar but you still hear talk that Barisan assemblymen are planning a no-confidence motion against him," he said.
Jalaluddin said during the meeting, all Barisan assemblymen pledged their undivided support to Ismail.
"They reached a consensus that there is no division or camps in Negri Sembilan.
"We are solely focused on our duties and responsibilities, following the mandate given to Barisan and Perikatan Nasional during the Aug 1 state polls," he said, adding that all attempts to cause division within Umno must stop.
On another matter, Jalaluddin confirmed that he had an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir recently.
"When I am summoned by the state ruler, I will obey and comply," he said, adding that it was a normal meeting.
Jalaluddin said when Umno withdrew its support for former mentri besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun in April, leading led to the collapse of the state government, it was not intended to remove Tuanku Muhriz as state ruler.
"That has been completely misinterpreted and misunderstood by some.
"Our stance is to work towards strengthening governance and not to interfere in any matters pertaining to the royal Institution and traditional customs," he said, adding that Umno had always defended these institutions.
On the move by two Perikatan Nasional assemblymen to meet Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'afar at Istana Serting on Nov 6, Jalaluddin said he had no knowledge of the matter.
Paroi assemblyman Kamarol Ridzuan Mohd Zain and Klawang's Danni Rais had said the meeting was merely a courtesy call.
Four Undang – three of whose positions are in dispute – proclaimed Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'afar as the new state ruler on June 5.
However, the Attorney General's Chambers and the Negri Sembilan Dewan Keadilan dan Undang have maintained that the proclamation has no legal effect and explicitly recognise Tuanku Muhriz as the sole, lawful Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
