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UMNO youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has reaffirmed his longstanding opposition to any form of government change carried out through what he described as “backdoor” arrangements, maintaining a consistent stance since the political upheaval known as the Langkah Sheraton in 2020.
The Merlimau assemblyman said his position aligns with UMNO’s core principles, stressing that the party’s values must not be compromised even amid shifting political alliances.
“If the red line drawn by UMNO is crossed, then we must defend principles rather than defend positions,” he said in a statement on Monday night.
He further argued that UMNO in Negeri Sembilan now faces two clear choices: either to serve as a dignified opposition or to dissolve the state legislative assembly and return the mandate to the electorate.
“The two options available for UMNO are to become a dignified opposition or to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) so that we can return it to the people for them to choose (vote). Full stop,” he said.
The comments come amid intensifying political developments in Negeri Sembilan, where shifting allegiances among state assembly members have raised the possibility of a new governing configuration.
A recent statement by Barisan Nasional Negeri Sembilan claimed the coalition may now command a simple majority following reported support from several Perikatan Nasional assemblymen.
Under the current composition, Barisan Nasional holds 14 of the 36 seats, while Pakatan Harapan has 17 seats and Perikatan Nasional holds five. The alleged additional support would bring BN and UMNO-aligned forces to 19 seats, surpassing the threshold for a simple majority.
Assemblymen Acted On Their Own
Earlier, UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the withdrawal of support by 14 BN assemblymen from Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun was a decision made at state level.
“The developments in Negeri Sembilan are issues within that state. We must distinguish them from matters relating to the customary system,” he said.
He added that the actions of the UMNO assemblymen were their own decision, while the party’s national leadership would assess the political implications.
“The decisions made by the UMNO ADUNs in Negeri Sembilan are their own decisions.
“The national UMNO and BN leadership will examine and consider the political implications arising from the decisions they have announced,” he said.
Zahid also said the matter would be referred to the party’s Political Bureau and Supreme Council for further deliberation before any formal position is adopted, adding that he remained open to meeting the assemblymen and, if necessary, engaging with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to discuss the situation.
“I need to meet and he also needs to meet,” he said. - April 28, 2026
