Negeri Sembilan govt must function as usual, says Jalaluddin

The Negeri Sembilan government must continue to function as usual to ensure that the well-being and interests of the people are not affected by the current political crisis, says state Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias.

Jalaluddin said this was the main focus of the special meeting with Negeri Sembilan Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen, chaired by BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at Menara Dato’ Onn here last night.

“The main focus of the discussion was that the Negeri Sembilan government must continue to function as usual for the well-being and interests of the people.

“That is what must be given priority and, insya-Allah, following the lengthy discussion, there will be an approach to ensure that the government continues to function as usual in the interests of the people,” he told reporters after the meeting.

Asked how the state administration would function without members of the state executive council, Jalaluddin said there were various options at hand.

“There are various methods that can be used, and surely the menteri besar has a certain formula to mobilise the government machinery so that the agenda for the people’s interests can continue,” he said.

Jalaluddin, the Pertang assemblyman, said the meeting was also attended by the BN and Perikatan Nasional backbenchers’ chairmen.

Those present at the meeting, which lasted over two hours, included Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Ismail Lasim, who is also the Juasseh assemblyman; Chembong assemblyman Zaifulbahri Idris; Linggi assemblyman Faizal Ramli; and Sikamat assemblyman Razali Abu Samah.

Earlier, Zahid said the meeting was to coordinate and identify the best options in accordance with the state constitution and customary laws.

He also gave Ismail full mandate to seek the best solution, including by meeting the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, the Undang Yang Empat and Tunku Besar Tampin, as well as other leaders in the customary hierarchy.

Zahid also said there was no need to declare a political emergency as security and public order in the state remained under control.

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