Negeri Sembilan UMNO declared its willingness to act as opposition rather than remain in the state government, aiming to scrutinise Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun's handling of a customary and constitutional crisis. UMNO Negeri Sembilan chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias made the announcement on May 2 during the party's 80th UMNO Convention [1].
"Negeri 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," Jalaluddin said [1]. He added the crisis arose after UMNO lost confidence in Aminuddin Harun due to mismanagement of the crisis, stating, "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" [1].
UMNO Negeri Sembilan rejected allegations it was plotting a "backdoor" takeover of the state government. Jalaluddin stressed their stance was not motivated by greed for power or party positions [1]. He clarified that UMNO had the opportunity to take power after the last state election but chose to cooperate within the Unity Government framework instead. "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 [1].
The party is focusing on building grassroots support ahead of the 16th General Election. It aims to win as many seats as possible and restore its dominance without sacrificing the party’s future for short-term gains, Jalaluddin said. "Don't mortgage UMNO's future just to please any party or for short-term benefits," he warned [1].
UMNO hopes the central leadership will pay closer attention to grassroots views when making future decisions on political cooperation [1].
