Jalaluddin said Umno and Barisan Nasional were in a position to lead the state unity government after the 2023 state election, having secured 14 seats, compared with 11 won by DAP, five by PKR, and one by Amanah under Pakatan Harapan.
Perikatan Nasional won five seats.
“Umno is accused of betraying the unity government pact, but if we had wanted to pull off a backdoor move, we would have done so in 2023, as we had the numbers.
“Many people have messaged me, saying, ‘Jalal, this is your time.’
“But I respected the central leadership’s decision in forming a unity government to safeguard stability,” he said at Umno’s 80th anniversary convention at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.
The Pertang assemblyman stressed that since the formation of the Negeri Sembilan unity government, he has, in his capacity as a senior state executive councillor, supported Aminuddin and promoted the state government’s policies at all levels.
“For two-and-a-half years, I have carried out my duties. Have you ever heard me lash out at Aminuddin?” he said.
Jalaluddin reiterated that the withdrawal of support stemmed from Aminuddin’s failure to properly manage a constitutional crisis in the state.
He said the menteri besar should have acted as a mediator to bring all parties together and resolve the issue.
He also recalled the administration of Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan during his tenure as menteri besar, particularly his handling of the 2016 dismissal of the undang of Johol.
“Mohamad set up a special body to review the matter without interference from the state government.
“The committee then presented its findings to the Dewan Keadilan Undang, after which a decision was made and declared valid,” he said.
PH and BN agreed to form a pact to contest the Negeri Sembilan state election in August 2023, emulating the federal unity government structure established after the 15th general election in November 2022.
An understanding on the distribution of seats was reached between the two coalitions to avoid any head-to-head contests in the state.