NEGERI Sembilan Legislative Assembly (DUN) Opposition Leader Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker has changed his stance and announced his move to stay clear of the current political crisis in the state.
The Labu State Assemblyman (ADUN) from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) followed in the footsteps of his colleague, Ridzuan Ahmad (DUN Gemas), who earlier took a similar stand.
Last week, the two of them and three other Perikatan Nasional assemblymen expressed support for the action of 14 BN – Umno assemblymen who withdrew support for the leadership of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
Mohamad Hanifah informed that the decision was taken after careful consideration, taking into account the interests of the people and the need to ensure that the state's political stability is maintained.
“Our priority is to ensure that the political environment remains conducive and does not affect the recovery efforts and economic growth of the state, especially in the current challenging circumstances.
“At the same time, we are of the view that Umno’s stance at the national level and in Negeri Sembilan at this time is seen as inconsistent and has the potential to confuse the people,” he said.
He also stressed that any major changes in the state’s political landscape should be returned to the people’s mandate through the upcoming general or state election.
“This neutral stance reflects our commitment to the principles of political maturity, administrative stability and prioritising the welfare of the people over short-term political interests,” he said.
Earlier, Ridzuan said that the decision to be neutral was made after deeply considering the interests of the people as well as the stability of the state and the country as a whole.
According to him, the current priority is to ensure that the political atmosphere remains stable and does not affect the recovery and economic growth, especially in the challenging circumstances.
In his statement, he was of the view that changing the state government leadership at this time was inappropriate and had the potential to cause instability that could be detrimental to the people.
Any major changes in the political landscape should be submitted to the people’s mandate through the upcoming general election, and not done in the current situation, which could create uncertainty,” he said. – May 5, 2026
