It’s ‘business as usual’ for Negeri Sembilan’s 10 state executive councillors

Umno faces crisis in Negeri Sembilan after the state's Menteri Besar, Ismail Lasim, is accused of taking direct confrontation against the Yang Di-Pertuan Besar. If true, this indicates the crisis in Negeri Sembilan has escalated to a more serious, intricate, and severe level. It appears that Ismail has taken open opposition steps against Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, which raises concerns.

On Sunday 20th September, a statement released by Bijaya Diraja Istana Azizi Mohamad Ali announced the Yang Di-Pertuan Besar's cancellation of the appointment of powerful exco members. On Monday 21st September, the Menteri Besar also released a statement reassuring all Negeri Sembilan exco members that their appointments were valid and they would continue their duties as usual.

The Menteri Besar's statement rejected the actions taken by the Yang Di-Pertuan Besar. According to Malaysiakini, the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar rejects Tuanku Muhriz's dismissal of exco members. The Director-General of Istana reveals that the Yang Di-Pertuan Besar's decision was made after discovering that all 10 exco members were implicated in swearing the oath of office.

It is common knowledge that they took the oath and signed the pledge of allegiance on August 7th before being appointed as exco members. However, it is also known that on September 15th, they made a collective decision that the proclamation of the abdication of Tuanku Muhriz as Yang Di-Pertuan Besar was valid. The exco members also acknowledged Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Jaafar as the new and rightful Yang Di-Pertuan Besar.

This action by the Istana suggests that the exco members have violated their oath of allegiance. The Menteri Besar considers this action as undemocratic. Meanwhile, the claim by the Menteri Besar that his change of stance is not helping to resolve the issue and rather complicates matters is not helpful. It is not necessary to elaborate on the flip-flop he has made regarding two reasons.

First, many already know. Second, the story is lengthy and would make for a lengthy article. However, it is important to note that besides the traditional institution, Umno, the Menteri Besar's party, is a major player in this crisis. Remember, on April 27th, Umno Negeri Sembilan withdrew its support for Aminuddin Harun as Menteri Besar, claiming he was not satisfied with his handling of the dispute and government.

The impeachment of Umno members has been ongoing for several years. A UN delegation planned a new form of government in the state with the support of PAS-Nasional Perikatan, a coalition of parties. However, Tuanku Muhriz refused to accept Aminuddin's presence in Umno. Instead, the government appointed Aminuddin to lead the minority government.

Summarizing the lengthy story, he had to withdraw from DUN with Tuanku Muhriz's permission to hold the national election. Umno works in tandem with PAS. The narrative is that the government led by Aminuddin failed to handle the Istana crisis and could not be expected to defend the institution of the king. Also, played a role is the issue of identity.

Umno won the election held on August 1st, forming the government. On September 17th, former UN member Puad Zarkashi, in an interview with The Vibes, asked if Umno Negeri Sembilan is suffering from an internal split due to the controversy surrounding Tuanku Muhriz's position. Puad did not mention any names. For me, he may be referring to the fact that Umno Negeri Sembilan actually wants Jalaluddin Alias as Menteri Besar, not Ismail.

Puad also stated, the developments in Negeri Sembilan's crisis are embarrassing for Umno as the voters have given a strong mandate to establish a stable government. Thus, I was surprised when Zahid Hamidi, President of Umno, was quoted by Malaysiakini on September 9th, saying, "as soon as possible, we will not compromise on the situation in Negeri Sembilan."

I reiterate that the Umno nationwide movement that forced the PRN election to be held was initiated by Umno Negeri Sembilan. It remains unclear whether the central Umno approves of this action or not, but Umno Negeri Sembilan is a part of Umno. The Umno crisis in Negeri Sembilan is the crisis of Umno as a whole.