MNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh has expressed support for the decision by Negeri Sembilan UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) lawmakers to withdraw their backing for the state government led by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
Akmal, who is also Merlimau state assemblyman, said the development in Negeri Sembilan reflects UMNO’s commitment to upholding its core principles, particularly in defending religion, race and the monarchy.
He said the party’s stance would always prioritise the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers, stressing that UMNO would not hesitate to make firm decisions if royal institutions were perceived to be challenged.
“If the sovereignty of the Rulers is challenged, UMNO will choose to stand with the monarchy,” he said when speaking to reporters after attending the Melaka state assembly sitting.
Akmal also reiterated that UMNO’s participation in the unity government was based on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree, and not to become the dominant ruling party.
He stressed that while UMNO is part of the unity government, it would not compromise on its principles, adding that recent developments in Negeri Sembilan demonstrated this position clearly.
“Even if UMNO loses positions or becomes the opposition, that is not important. What matters is that we remain firm in our principles,” he said.
He added that political standing—whether in government or opposition—should not override the party’s core values and principles.
Akmal also congratulated Negeri Sembilan UMNO for its collective decision to withdraw support, describing it as a bold move aligned with party principles.
Earlier, Negeri Sembilan UMNO chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias announced that all 14 UMNO/BN state assemblymen had withdrawn their support for Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun and expressed loss of confidence in the state leadership.
The group also reaffirmed their commitment to defending constitutional principles and traditional institutions while calling for a stable state government.
Negeri Sembilan currently has 36 state seats, with UMNO holding 14 of them.
