KUALA LUMPUR – The withdrawal of support by 14 Umno assemblymen for Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has raised fresh questions over the stability of the state government and the durability of the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) partnership.
Political observers say the development goes beyond an internal UMNO matter, as it directly touches on the legitimacy of the administration formed after the 2023 state election.
“The development is serious because the Negeri Sembilan government was originally built on the PH-BN alliance, which commanded 31 of the 36 seats in the State Assembly,” said political analyst Datuk Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi.
Under the current composition, PH holds 17 seats, BN 14, and Perikatan Nasional (PN) five.
“If all 14 BN assemblymen were to genuinely withdraw their support, PH would be left with only 17 seats, short of the simple majority of 19. This is not merely an internal UMNO dispute, but a direct test of the state government’s legitimacy,” he added.
Adding to the uncertainty, BN has also claimed it has secured a simple majority to form a state government through cooperation with five PN assemblymen, a move that further complicates the state’s political equation.
In a separate development earlier, BN assemblymen said the arrangement with PN would give them the numbers needed to form a new administration, intensifying speculation over a possible realignment of forces in the 36-seat assembly.
Awang Azman said Aminuddin can remain Menteri Besar unless it is formally established that he has lost majority support in the State Assembly.
He said the decisive moment would come if confidence is tested through a motion of confidence, a no-confidence motion, the state budget, or other key votes.
“At that point, the Menteri Besar must prove his support on the floor of the Assembly, not merely through political statements,” he said, speaking to Scoop.
He added that PH cannot afford to remain passive while awaiting BN’s next move, and should engage both state and federal UMNO leadership to stabilise the administration.
On the possibility of an Umno-PN realignment, he noted that the numbers would technically produce a simple majority, but significant political barriers remain, including central party approval and implications for the federal unity government.
Awang Azman also warned that prolonged uncertainty could damage BN’s standing among moderate and undecided voters.
“If BN is seen as dragging the state into political turmoil at a time when the public expects economic progress and administrative continuity, the political cost could be substantial,” he said.
He described the situation as a stress test of the PH-BN arrangement in Negeri Sembilan rather than an immediate trigger for national realignment.
Meanwhile, geostrategist Azmi Hassan said the episode could have spillover effects on cooperation between PH and BN in other states.
He also warned of possible reciprocal political manoeuvres between coalition partners.
“So, I think DAP or PKR can also do it towards UMNO in this case,” he said.
However, Azmi expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved at the top leadership level of both coalitions.
He added that the actions of the 14 assemblymen were likely not sanctioned by UMNO’s central leadership.
Following the withdrawal of support, a series of emergency meetings were held, including one at Aminuddin’s official residence.
The Menteri Besar later sought an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, amid uncertainty over his majority.
Tuanku Muhriz subsequently advised Aminuddin to remain in office for the time being, pending clarification of his support in the State Assembly.
Speaking at a press conference in Seremban, Aminuddin said the state government would continue to function as normal.
“In accordance with the Negeri Sembilan State Constitution, the state government will continue to function as usual, ensuring that administrative affairs run smoothly and the interests of the people are safeguarded,” he said. - April 28, 2026
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