Umno rep quashes talk of PH joining Negeri Sembilan govt

Umno assemblyman Asna has denied there were any talks on Pakatan Harapan (PH) joining the Negeri Sembilan state government.

"I want to stress this: there has been no discussion on that whatsoever. Full stop," Asna said in a Facebook post.

His remarks follow a MalaysiaGazette report quoting sources as saying that negotiations on Menteri Besar Ismail's state executive council have been ongoing to ensure political stability.

Ismail was sworn in as menteri besar after Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN), which contested the Negeri Sembilan polls under an electoral pact, won 18 and seven seats respectively. A simple majority is reached with 19 seats.

Interference claim rejected

Asna also dismissed Wawasan chairman Rais Yatim's claim that external interference led to Ismail's appointment, apparently a reference to BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi meeting Yang Dipertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir after the state election win.

The two-term assemblyman expressed confidence that Zahid had complied with Negeri Sembilan's laws and customs, and said Rais's claims were baseless.

"After the list of candidates was submitted to the Yang Dipertuan Besar, the BN chairman left it to His Royal Highness's discretion to select the menteri besar.

"The menteri besar has been appointed and has already started work. I hope his leadership will no longer be questioned. Give him room to carry out his duties.

"Tuanku Muhriz has also delivered his decision. As elected representatives, we must fall in line. Prioritise the people's interests over personal or political interests," he said.

Asna was among those rumoured to be frontrunners for the Negeri Sembilan menteri besar post, alongside state Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias and Johol assemblyman Saiful Yazan Sulaiman.