“What we do next depends on Umno’s decision. We don’t mind being in the opposition and if we are in the opposition, we will remain so until the next general election (GE16),” Jalaluddin Alias told reporters on the sidelines of Umno’s 80th anniversary convention at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

Jalaluddin stated that he takes responsibility for the crisis, but stressed that the move was necessary to steer members back to the party’s core struggle.

“Negeri Sembilan Umno is prepared to be in the opposition rather than remain in the government and merely watch the mistakes made by menteri besar Aminuddin Harun.

“We are now focused on strengthening our grassroots machinery in preparation for GE16,” he said.

Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said on Thursday that Jalaluddin had explained the rationale for withdrawing support for Aminuddin, and that the party respected the decision.

However, Asyraf said the party would continue to back the unity government in Negeri Sembilan to ensure political stability.

Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional had agreed to avoid any head-to-head contests in the 2023 Negeri Sembilan state polls, emulating the federal unity government structure established after the 2022 general election.

Both BN and PH subsequently formed the state government after winning 14 and 17 seats, respectively.

On Monday, all 14 Umno assemblymen retracted their support for Aminuddin, citing a loss of confidence in the menteri besar from PKR.

Commenting on electoral cooperation, Jalaluddin urged the central leadership to genuinely listen to the views of the grassroots.

“The main goal must be for Umno to win as many seats as possible and return as a dominant force. Do not sacrifice Umno’s future just to please any party,” he said.