Khairy said while the federal court had previously ruled that the majority a menteri besar commanded could be determined via statutory declarations or royal interviews, the “best thing” is to take it to the state legislature.

“I think the most acceptable way is to have a vote of confidence in the Negeri Sembilan state assembly. And if a no-confidence motion is allowed, it would be an opportunity for Barisan Nasional to form a state government,” he told reporters after attending Umno’s 80th anniversary gathering today.

His remarks came as the Negeri Sembilan PAS chief called for the state assembly to be convened urgently for a debate on the political crisis in the state.

Recently, all the 14 BN-Umno assemblymen announced they have retracted support for menteri besar Aminuddin Harun citing a loss of confidence. Aminuddin, who is state PKR chief, later said he would now lead a minority government until a decision is made concerning the political turmoil.

In 2009, the Perak sultan appointed Zambry Abdul Kadir of Umno to succeed PAS’s Nizar Jamaluddin as menteri besar following a series of defections. The court later ruled that Zambry was the rightful Perak menteri besar after he was sworn in by the Perak sultan.