SEREMBAN, April 27 — Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said that he has been decreed by the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir to continue carrying out his duties as head of the state government.
As such, the state administration will therefore continue to function as usual to safeguard the interests of the people.
He also acknowledged the earlier announcement by 14 Barisan Nasional (BN) state assemblymen of their withdrawal of support for the state government.
“Following that, I sought an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. His Royal Highness advised and instructed me to continue administering the state as Menteri Besar as usual.
“Until there is a definitive resolution to this matter, and in accordance with the law and the State Constitution, the state government will continue to function as normal, ensuring smooth administration and that the interests of the people of Negeri Sembilan are protected,” Aminuddin said during a media conference today, attended by the state Pakatan Harapan leadership.
Also present were state DAP chairman cum Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman.
Even as a “minority government”, Aminuddin said he believes it is capable of fulfilling its responsibilities and that all subsequent actions would be guided by the Constitution and the laws in force in the state.
On the withdrawal of support by UMNO and BN assemblymen, he admitted he was surprised, noting that prior discussions had been held on postponing the recent State Legislative Assembly meeting.
“Four executive councillors, including the senior exco (Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias), met me to request that the sitting be postponed. After discussions, we agreed the opening would proceed, and the sitting would be adjourned.
“If this had been planned from the outset, the sitting should have proceeded. It was not my proposal to adjourn it. They should have tabled a motion of no confidence against me,” Aminuddin said, adding that he had no issue with such a motion being brought at a future sitting.
He noted that the Assembly can be adjourned for up to six months and expressed confidence in continuing to administer Negeri Sembilan effectively during that period, while reiterating that he has no intention of dissolving the Assembly.
The Menteri Besar also pledged to resolve the ongoing impasse and called on the public to remain supportive and patient.
“We are working towards resolving the situation…all leaders are making efforts, but then this issue arose (the withdrawal of support)… we must calm the situation, and we are working on it,” Aminuddin said.
Earlier today, all 14 assemblymen from UMNO and BN unanimously withdrew their support for Aminuddin’s administration, with formal notification to be submitted to the State Legislative Assembly Speaker and Secretary.
The 2023 state election saw Harapan and BN form the Negeri Sembilan Unity Government after securing 31 out of 36 seats.
Of the total 36 seats, Harapan won 17, BN 14, while Perikatan Nasional holds five.
