NS in crisis as 14 BN assemblymen withdraw support for Menteri Besar

A POLITICAL and constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan has deepened after UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) withdrew support for Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, citing a worsening adat dispute that they warn could destabilise the state administration and unsettle public harmony.

The move, agreed unanimously by all 14 UMNO/BN state assemblymen, threatens the ruling coalition’s commanding majority and places the leadership of the state government under immediate pressure, with formal notice to be submitted to the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly.

State UMNO liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said the decision reflected mounting concern over the handling of the crisis, which he said had reached a critical stage and was now the subject of public debate.

“I, together with the 14 assemblymen representing UMNO/BN Negeri Sembilan, am deeply saddened and disappointed by the crisis that has occurred, which is seen as likely to affect the administration of the Negeri Sembilan state government and indirectly have a profound impact on the stability of the government as well as the harmony of the people.

“Therefore, all 14 UMNO/BN Negeri Sembilan assemblymen hereby unanimously have lost confidence in the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan and withdraw support for the state government led by him,” he said at a press conference held in Seremban this morning.

Jalaluddin said UMNO/BN representatives in the state executive council had not been consulted in discussions at the state level and only became aware of the adat (tradition or customary practices) crisis once it had escalated into a critical issue.

“The Honourable Menteri Besar should have played his role and used his wisdom as the state leading representative in this crisis,” he said.

He added that UMNO/BN remained committed to upholding customary institutions, the constitution of the state of Negeri Sembilan specifically its law under the Constitution of the Government of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

“We want a stable government so that it can play its role as effectively as possible in administering the state, and in turn focus on the objective of improving the welfare of the people and the state economy,” he said.

Earlier, Jalaluddin warned that the situation must not be allowed to deteriorate further and called for urgent intervention to restore order, including the possible formation of a reconciliation body.

“For me, there must be immediate action to resolve this crisis, including possibly establishing a special reconciliation committee.

“The committee must consist of individuals or those with expertise in adat as well as the Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan 1959,” he said.

He said the proposed body should comprise credible and impartial figures with a deep understanding of customary law to ensure a balanced outcome, stressing that such a mechanism would not interfere in adat affairs but instead provide guidance within constitutional bounds.

“It is for the good of all parties, and we do not want the public to make their own interpretations of what is happening due to a lack of explanation from the relevant authorities.

“I myself feel somewhat constrained in offering views, but as a senior EXCO member and UMNO Negeri Sembilan chairman, I believe this matter cannot be left unresolved,” he said.

All UMNO/BN assemblymen attended the press conference except Rantau assemblyman and UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

The crisis has drawn national attention, centring on the role of the Undang, or traditional chiefs, in decisions affecting the state’s royal institution. It has intensified following reports of their involvement in matters concerning Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, while the position of Mubarak Dohak has also been disputed.

In the meantime, former Menteri Besar Tan Sri Rais Yatim has urged Aminuddin to reconvene the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang to ease tensions and restore order.

Negeri Sembilan has 36 state seats. In the August 2023 state election, UMNO/BN formed the government with Pakatan Harapan (PH), controlling 31 seats in total, while Perikatan Nasional won five. PH holds 17 seats through DAP, PKR and Amanah, while UMNO/BN holds 14. - April 27, 2026