So the latest drama to hit us is that Negeri Semblian palace crisis has moved into the political playing field. This should surprise no one, but the plotters should remember the fate of those who schemed to make the Sheraton Move happen.
This morning Negeri Sembilan Umno chairman Jalaluddin Alias said all 14 Umno/Barisan Nasional assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan have lost confidence in Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun and withdrawn their support for the state government under his leadership.
Jalaluddin said the bloc had reached a unanimous decision, signalling a significant shift in support within the state assembly.
He had the nerve to claim that he wanted a stable government even as he triggered its collapse.
“We want a stable government that can perform its role effectively in administering the state, while focusing on efforts to improve the wellbeing of the people and the state’s economy,” he said in a press conference today.
This is clearly an example of politicians trying to take an opportunistic line due to a royal impasse.
Last week, Aminuddin said the action by Datuk Mubarak Dohak in signing and reading a declaration to remove His Royal Highness the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, at the Balai Undang Luak Sungai Ujong on Sunday, April 19 is not recognised and cannot be accepted.
Currently Aminuddin holds the support of 17 PH representatives (11 DAP, 5 PKR, 1 Amanah), while Jalaluddin leads a group of 14, and the opposition PN has 5.
Scenario’s include Umno teaming up with PN, Umno teaming up with DAP and/or a dissolved assembly with fresh elections.
Critics are questioning what role Umno strongman Mohamad Hasan has in the matter. The Umno deputy president is Aminuddin’s predecessor, having been Menteri Besar from 2004 to 2018.
Those plotting to bring down the government would do well to remember the fate of Azmin Ali followers who started off as ministers and ended up on the rubbish heap due to the Sheraton Move. The same thing is happening to the rogue MPs tying up their fate alongside the disgruntled former minister Rafizi Ramli.
Are those in Negeri Sembilan so confident of their various schemes that they are willing to throw it all away now?