No talks to bring PH into Negeri Sembilan government, says BN assemblyman

SEREMBAN: Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblyman Asna has dismissed talk that Pakatan Harapan (PH) is being brought into the Negeri Sembilan government, saying no negotiations of the sort have taken place.

The state administration has been agreed upon between BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN).

"On the issue of talk about bringing PH into the government, I want to stress there have been absolutely no discussions. Full stop," the BN representative said on Facebook.

Earlier, MalaysiaGazette quoted sources as reporting that PH was said to possibly join the Negeri Sembilan administration in the formation of the exco line-up, which was believed to still be at the negotiation stage.

The report said one formula being refined was the possible inclusion of PH representatives in the state administration as part of efforts to strengthen political stability and form a more inclusive government.

BN, PN wrest control

At the Negeri Sembilan state election last Saturday, BN and PN won 18 and seven seats respectively, wresting the administration from PH.

PH won only 11 seats, with two of its leaders — Negeri Sembilan PH chairman Aminuddin Harun and DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook — defeated.

Juasseh assemblyman Ismail Lassim was sworn in as menteri besar, replacing Aminuddin.

Interference claim denied

Asna also rejected former menteri besar Rais Yatim's claim that there was outside interference in matters of Negeri Sembilan's customs and constitution during the appointment of the menteri besar.

Rais had referred to a meeting between BN chairman Zahid Hamidi and the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, before the appointment was made.

Asna said the meeting did not mean Zahid had interfered in the affairs of the royal institution, customs or the selection process.

"The claim that there was outside interference in the appointment of the Negeri Sembilan menteri besar is untrue.

"He did not influence or interfere in this selection and was very professional," he said.

According to Asna, after the list of candidates was presented to Tuanku Muhriz, Zahid, as BN chairman, left the decision entirely to the ruler's discretion.

With the menteri besar appointed and already carrying out his duties, he said, all parties should stop questioning the decision and give the new administration room to work.

"Prioritise the people's interests over political or personal interests in carrying out your respective responsibilities," he said.