NEGERI Sembilan Umno stressed that the party was willing to be in the opposition rather than continue to be in the state government, allegedly to see the mistakes of Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, in managing the ongoing customary and constitutional crisis.
Its chief, Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, said the stance was taken because Umno cannot compromise the party's principles and dignity simply to remain in the government.
"Negri Sembilan Umno is willing to be in the opposition rather than sit in the government. This way we can scrutinise mistakes made by YAB MB," he said in a speech in conjunction with the 80th UMNO Convention at Dewan Merdeka, WTC, today.
Jalaluddin said that Negeri Sembilan Umno's actions were not driven by greed for power or a fight for positions, but rather stemmed from a loss of confidence in Aminuddin's leadership, who allegedly failed to manage the state's customary and constitutional crisis in an orderly manner.
"Today's crisis only arose after Umno lost confidence in the Menteri Besar when this customary and constitutional crisis failed to be managed in an orderly manner," he said.
He also rejected claims that Negeri Sembilan Umno wanted to carry out a 'backdoor' movement to take over the state government.
He said that if Umno wanted to do so, the opportunity was open after the last State Election, but the party chose to work together in the Unity Government.
"If Umno wanted to come to power, the opportunity was presented after the PRN, but we chose to work together in the Unity Government," he said.
Jalaluddin said that Negeri Sembilan Umno was now focusing on strengthening its grassroots to face the 16th General Election.
He also hoped that the central leadership would listen to the views of the grassroots in determining the direction of the party's political cooperation after this.
"The main goal that must be considered is for Umno to win as many seats as possible and return to being dominant.
"Don't mortgage Umno's future just to please any party or for short-term benefits," he said. – May 2, 2026
