KUALA LUMPUR (April 27): Negeri Sembilan Umno’s 14 state assemblymen have unanimously withdrawn their support for Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, citing a loss of confidence amid an ongoing crisis involving the state’s royal institution.

In a press conference on Monday, Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias said the party had taken note of the royal dispute, which he described as having escalated to a critical stage and becoming a matter of public debate.

“This could undermine the state’s governance and stability, as well as public harmony,” he said.

He added that all 14 Umno-Barisan Nasional assemblymen had agreed to withdraw support for the administration led by the Aminuddin, and that a formal notice would be submitted to the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly speaker.

Jalaluddin stressed that the party respects institutions, customs and the constitution, and would not interfere in matters related to the palace.

The Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly has 36 seats. Pakatan Harapan holds 17 seats — comprising five by Parti Keadilan Rakyat, 11 by Democratic Action Party and one by Amanah — while opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) has five seats, including three by PAS and two by Bersatu.

With Umno’s withdrawal, the Pakatan Harapan-led state government will not have the numbers to stay in power unless PN representatives throw in their support. PN is expected to state its stand later on Monday.

The state has been embroiled in a constitutional crisis amid an escalating dispute over the position of its ruler Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir.

On April 19, the Undang Yang Empat — traditional chiefs vested with authority under the state constitution — announced that Tuanku Muhriz had been removed. Under Article 10(1), they are empowered to determine whether the ruler is unfit to rule due to serious incapacity, misconduct, or breaches of the constitution or Islamic principles, and to require him to step aside or abdicate.

They also named Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the next Yang di-Pertuan Besar with immediate effect. His late father, Tuanku Ja’afar Tuanku Abdul Rahman, was Tuanku Muhriz’s predecessor.

In response, Aminuddin said the state government does not recognise the declaration, noting that one of the signatories had already been removed from his position prior to the announcement.

The Undangs and the Tunku Besar of Tampin subsequently called for Aminuddin’s removal, describing him as unfit for office. They were also absent from the state assembly sitting last week.

The assembly sitting, originally scheduled from April 23 to April 29 for debates on the royal address, was adjourned by Speaker Datuk MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman after Tuanku Muhriz delivered his speech.

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