Zahid brings rival camps together to find way out of Negeri Sembilan crisis, says no need to declare political emergency for now

KUALA LUMPUR, September 27 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has announced plans to convene a meeting tonight with assemblymen from Negeri Sembilan belonging to Barisan Nasional (BN), PAS and Parti Wawasan Negara. The purpose of this meeting, which will take place at Menara Dato’ Onn, is to coordinate the parties and explore possible solutions to the state's ongoing constitutional crisis, according to Bernama.

Zahid emphasized that the meeting is intended for coordination purposes, without any intention of interfering, but to find the best solution for the crisis currently faced by Negeri Sembilan.

As the BN chairman, Zahid stressed that any resolution must prioritize the interests of the people while respecting the state's laws, Constitution and customs. He also granted Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim full authority to seek a way forward, including reaching out to the Negeri Sembilan Yang Di Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, the four Undangs and Tunku Besar Tampin.

When asked about the possibility of declaring a political emergency in Negeri Sembilan, Zahid stated that there was no disturbance to peace in the state, and therefore, there is no need to consider such a measure. He believed that better options must exist, indicating his preference for alternative solutions.

The current situation in Negeri Sembilan stems from a dispute between the state government and the palace over the authority to revoke the appointments of the 10 state executive council members. Tuanku Muhriz revoked these appointments on September 20, citing breaches of their oaths of office, while the exco members dispute the validity of the move. The Attorney-General has deemed the revocation valid under the Negeri Sembilan Constitution, while the exco members have since been barred from entering their offices.