PAYA RUMPUT – Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is confident that the political crisis in Negeri Sembilan can be resolved soon, with efforts underway to secure a solution that prioritises the interests of the people and ensures the state administration continues to function.
The Umno president said he hoped the parties involved would reach an agreement through a spirit of togetherness, similar to the cooperation that had previously enabled the formation of the state government.
"I am confident that whatever problems are affecting us in Negeri Sembilan, we pray that they have reached their end. InsyaAllah, the problems in Negeri Sembilan will be resolved in the near future," he said.
He was speaking at the Perikatan Nasional (PN) and BN Grand Finale Ceramah programme in Paya Rumput last night, which was also attended by Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.
Zahid said the crisis should serve as a lesson and guide to prevent similar problems from recurring in the future.
Speaking to reporters after the event, he said efforts to resolve the situation were being carried out in cooperation with the Umno leadership at the national and state levels, as well as Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim.
He said reaching a resolution was important to ensure the state budget could be tabled, as the process required the consent of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, before a special sitting of the state legislative assembly could be held.
"It would be impossible for this budget sitting to take place without the consent of His Royal Highness the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.
"Therefore, we are very confident that Tuanku also has the utmost consideration to grant his consent for this special budget sitting to be held within this month, InsyaAllah," he said.
On the continuity of the current state administration, Zahid expressed hope that the state legislative assembly sitting and approval of the budget would enable government operations to continue with the cooperation of all parties.
"I am confident that if we seek a solution, we will find common ground and a spirit of togetherness to ensure Negeri Sembilan is governed well," he said.
Last Sunday, Ismail said the Negeri Sembilan state legislative assembly would not be allowed to dissolve, adding that efforts would be made to ensure the sitting proceeded according to the planned schedule.
The state government had previously scheduled the state legislative assembly sitting to begin on Nov 26, followed by the tabling of the 2027 State Budget on Nov 27.