Umno confident PH open to State Assembly Speaker, Deputy Speaker posts negotiation

SEREMBAN - Negeri Sembilan Umno is confident that Pakatan Harapan (PH) is open to negotiations with BN regarding the appointment of the Negeri Sembilan State Assembly Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

Negeri Sembilan Umno secretary Mustapha Nagoor said it was due to PH and BN representing two coalitions forming the unity government in the state when both parties won 17 and 14 seats to form a two-thirds majority in the Negeri Sembilan State Assembly.

"Therefore, it’s appropriate that one of the positions be given to BN to consider the precise cooperation between both coalitions.

"From there, it shows the coalition was one that was strong, could cooperate, and discuss to harmonise all decisions, including for the post," he said when contacted by Sinar on Friday.

Mustapha, who is Palong Assemblyman, said the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun’s statement on the Speaker post given to Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) and the deputy post given to PKR was without discussions with BN parties.

"Some BN Assemblymen pleaded for this matter to have a discussion and be examined before such decisions were made, and it was even voiced by the Negeri Sembilan Umno chairman, Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, to the Menteri Besar.

"We still have time (to discuss) as the Special State Assembly Sitting for Assemblymen to be sworn in will be held on Sept 26. If we couldn’t get the speaker post, the deputy speaker for BN would suffice," he said.

Sinar previously reported Aminuddin stated the decision was agreed upon in principle by the unity government in the state.

The matter was informed by Aminuddin in a press conference after he chaired the Exco Meeting in Wisma Negeri on Wednesday.