SEREMBAN – After the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly on Monday, Negeri Sembilan is now also being speculated to take a similar step.
It is understood that several Pakatan Harapan (PH) assemblymen, along with party leaders, began arriving at the Menteri Besar’s Official Residence as early as 9.30am on Tuesday.
Their presence is believed to be linked to a special meeting concerning the possible dissolution of the state assembly.
Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Press Secretary Ahmad Shahir Mohd Shah informed that no press conference would be held following the meeting.
However, he said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun will meet the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir on Wednesday.
“Tomorrow, as usual before the State Executive Council meeting, the Menteri Besar will meet Tuanku,” he told the media.
A review of social media discussions by Sinar found growing reactions and calls for Negeri Sembilan to make the same decision as Johor and dissolve its state assembly.
The calls followed remarks made by DAP secretary-general and Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman Anthony Loke during the PH Convention in Johor on May 17, where he stated that the state would follow Johor’s lead if the latter dissolved its state assembly.
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Umno Youth has expressed support for a dissolution of the state assembly to allow the people to determine a fresh mandate.
Its chief Mohamad Fadil Md Zin said dissolving the assembly is necessary under the current political circumstances to ensure the state's stability and prosperity are preserved.
At the same time, Negeri Sembilan Umno Wanita chief Puan Sri Bibi Sharliza Mohd Khalid said as advised by the party president, the wing remains fully prepared should an election be called in the near future.
“People in Negeri Sembilan may feel that the state assembly should be dissolved because of Loke’s speech at the PH Convention.
“But the question is, can such a dissolution be carried out amid the customary and constitutional crisis currently taking place? Regardless, Negeri Sembilan Umno Wanita is always prepared,” she said.
Previously, Aminuddin was reported as saying that he would not rule out the possibility of a state election being held this year.
However, he stressed that such a decision would depend on the prevailing circumstances.
“We will see how things develop. The general election is also approaching, but I do not rule out the possibility of a state election this year, or perhaps next year, God willing.
“I think it would be good if it is held now and it would also be good if it is held later, both are good,” he said.