Zahid Rejects Betrayal Claims, Says UMNO’s Support for Aminuddin Ended With Dissolution of Negeri Sembilan Assembly
KUALA LUMPUR: UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has firmly rejected allegations that his party betrayed the Negeri Sembilan government, insisting that UMNO’s support for Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun lasted only until the end of the state administration’s term.
Zahid said claims that UMNO was responsible for the current political tensions in Negeri Sembilan were unfounded, arguing that the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on June 5 effectively marked the end of all existing political arrangements.
According to him, once the assembly was dissolved, every political party had the right to determine its own direction and electoral strategy ahead of the upcoming state election.
“We function as a coalition of political parties, and every coalition must translate its objectives into action.
“I do not think there is any betrayal when the term of a state or federal administration has come to an end,” he told reporters after officiating the 4th Southeast Asia Ulama Conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) yesterday.
The deputy prime minister stressed that UMNO’s decision to contest independently in the coming state election should be viewed as a strategic political move rather than an act of disloyalty.
He said the party’s leadership was focused on identifying the best approach to strengthen UMNO’s position in both the State Legislative Assembly and Parliament.
“When the assembly has been dissolved, we naturally look for the best way to strengthen our position in the State Assembly or even in Parliament,” he said.
Zahid was responding to remarks made by Aminuddin during the launch of Pakatan Harapan’s Negeri Sembilan election machinery yesterday.
In his speech, Aminuddin urged voters to punish UMNO in the state election scheduled for August 1, accusing the party of betraying the political understanding that existed during the previous administration.
The Menteri Besar also called on Pakatan Harapan supporters to turn out in large numbers on polling day and expressed hope that voter turnout would reach 80 per cent.
“This is our opportunity. This is our moment.
“Show them. Teach them. Make sure the people deliver the punishment they deserve because only voters have that power,” Aminuddin said.
His remarks are expected to intensify political competition in Negeri Sembilan, particularly as parties that previously cooperated are now preparing to contest separately.
Despite the criticism, Zahid maintained that UMNO had acted within democratic norms and that the party’s decisions were based on political realities following the dissolution of the assembly.
He said it was normal for political parties to reassess alliances and strategies once a government’s term had officially ended.
In a separate matter, Zahid also commented on the Election Commission’s decision to hold the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections on different dates.
He defended the commission’s authority, saying the determination of election dates falls entirely under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission and should not be challenged.
“That is the right and authority of the Election Commission.
“No individual, especially someone serving as a Cabinet member, should openly dispute such a decision.
“It is even more inappropriate if the person is a senior leader of a party that is part of the current government,” he said.
Zahid, however, did not specify whom he was referring to.
The Negeri Sembilan state election is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political contests in the country this year as former allies prepare to face each other in a highly competitive race.
With campaigning gaining momentum and political rhetoric becoming increasingly heated, voters are expected to play a decisive role in determining whether UMNO can strengthen its influence or whether Pakatan Harapan will retain its political dominance in the state.
