Aminuddin to stay as MB after royal audience, Anwar backs stability

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim signals continuity in Negeri Sembilan while urging restraint and respect for institutions amid rising tensions.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has agreed with Negeri Sembilan ruler, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, that Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun will remain as Menteri Besar following an audience with the state ruler yesterday.

Anwar said he supported Tuanku Muhriz’s decree for Aminuddin to continue in office to ensure stability in the state administration, as tensions involving the Royal institution and the state leadership, and the four Undang, persist.

Earlier today, Anwar launched a new building at UCSI University, where Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin Tuanku Muhriz, the university’s chancellor, was also present.

Aminuddin’s position had come under scrutiny after all 14 Umno assemblymen withdrew support for him, following attempts by the Undang Yang Empat to remove Tuanku Muhriz.

The withdrawal has reshaped the numbers in the 36-seat assembly. PH holds 17 seats, BN 14, and Perikatan Nasional (PN) five.

Complicating matters, PN has declared its willingness to work with BN to form a new state government. Its five assemblymen said they were prepared to back BN “to ensure political stability”, raising the prospect of a shift in administration if formalised.

In a statement today, Anwar stressed the need to safeguard public interest and uphold the rule of law.

“I am confident that, based on his experience and distinguished service, Aminuddin will continue to perform his duties with diligence and propriety,” he said.

He added that matters involving the Undang institution are being handled through proper legal channels, guided by customary wisdom and due process.

The Federal Government, Anwar said, will continue to extend full cooperation to ensure economic continuity and the wellbeing of the people, while emphasising that the dignity of the Royal institution and state laws must be preserved.

“In all circumstances, the dignity of the Royal institution and the laws of the state must be preserved and upheld.

“I also call upon the public, particularly in Negeri Sembilan, to remain measured, courteous and orderly, especially when discussing matters relating to the Royal institution and state laws.”

He concluded with a traditional proverb: “Kinship defers to the elders, elders defer to consensus, consensus defers to truth, and truth stands on its own.”

The Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 allow for abdication or temporary withdrawal by His Highness at the request of the Undang. Article 10(1) outlines conditions under which the ruler may be asked to step aside, including serious defects or actions deemed detrimental to the dignity of the office or contrary to constitutional provisions.

Article 10(2) states that upon such a decision, the ruler ceases to exercise his functions, with a regent or council assuming authority.

To date, the Undang have not disclosed any specific wrongdoing, fuelling speculation.

Last May, the Undang of Sungai Ujong, Datuk Mubarak Dohak, was sacked after allegedly committing 33 offences. He was, however, among those involved in the move to relieve Tuanku Muhriz of his duties.

Aminuddin, the PKR assemblyman for Port Dickson, has rejected the Undang’s declaration, describing it as null and void. Critics, however, argue that he may have overstepped boundaries by intervening in a royal matter.

The constitution also stipulates that any such proclamation must be issued jointly by the Undang and the Menteri Besar.

Anwar has indicated that a state election is unlikely to be called to resolve the situation, signalling a preference for an institutional and negotiated outcome.

Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the 14 assemblymen made their decision independently at the state level.

However, he later added that the matter should be resolved through discussions and not politicised, suggesting efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions through consensus rather than confrontation.

Image: Prime Minister’s Office