Umno has rejected allegations of betrayal levelled by Negeri Sembilan caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, with party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi insisting the party’s support for the state administration was always intended to last only until the dissolution of the state assembly.
Speaking to reporters after officiating the 4th Southeast Asian Scholars Conference 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Zahid said there had been no act of betrayal on the part of Negeri Sembilan Umno, as the party’s backing for the menteri besar had been given only until the end of the state’s term.
“We work as a coalition of parties that naturally has its own direction, which must be translated into action,” Zahid said.
“I do not think there has been any betrayal when the term of a state administration or the federal government has come to an end.”
He explained that after the dissolution of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly, Umno decided to contest the upcoming state election independently, a move consistent with the party’s political strategy.
Zahid said Umno’s leadership was focused on finding the best way to strengthen the party’s position, whether in the state assembly or in Parliament.
“Once the state assembly has been dissolved, we seek the best approach to reinforce our position in the state assembly or in Parliament,” he said.
His remarks came a day after Aminuddin accused Umno of betraying its allies and urged voters to punish the party in the Negeri Sembilan state election scheduled for August 1.
Speaking at the launch of Pakatan Harapan’s Negeri Sembilan election machinery, Aminuddin called on supporters to turn out in large numbers on polling day, saying voter turnout should reach 80 per cent.
“Show our dissatisfaction towards those who betrayed us. If possible, we do not want just around 70 per cent voter turnout on August 1. We want 80 per cent of voters to cast their ballots,” Aminuddin had said.
“This is our opportunity. This is our moment. Show them. Teach them a lesson. Make sure that the people today are able to mete out punishment to them. Those who can deliver that punishment are the voters,” he added.
The exchange marks an escalation in tensions between the two coalitions as the Negeri Sembilan state election campaign intensifies. Umno’s decision to contest solo in the state has created a fractious political environment, with both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan preparing to compete against each other despite their partnership at the federal level in the unity government.
The Election Commission has set July 18 for nomination day, July 28 for early voting and August 1 for polling in Negeri Sembilan. The Johor state election will be held on July 11, with nomination on June 27 and early voting on July 7.
Sources: Malay Mail, Bernama, Election Commission
