TANGGA BATU: The political and administrative impasse in Negri Sembilan is expected to be resolved soon through ongoing discussions involving the relevant parties, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid, who is also Umno president and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said efforts were underway to find a solution, potentially involving the party’s central and state leadership, as well as the Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar.
He said the discussions would prioritise the interests of the people, particularly with the state budget due to be tabled soon.
“This is something we are working on. There is a possibility that the central Umno leadership, together with the Negri Sembilan Umno leadership and the menteri besar, will be involved in finding a solution.
“Our priority is to ensure that services to the people continue, especially with the state budget approaching.
“It would be impossible for the budget to be tabled without the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan,” he told reporters after attending the BN-Perikatan Nasional grand finale speech for the Paya Rumput state constituency here tonight.
Zahid expressed confidence that the Negri Sembilan budget could be tabled this month, given the ongoing efforts to resolve the impasse.
He also hoped that the state legislative assembly sitting could proceed as planned and the budget be approved to ensure the smooth running of the state administration.
“Hopefully, once the Negri Sembilan state assembly proceedings are held and the budget is approved, administrative matters can be carried out with the cooperation of the state government.
“This includes the state secretary, legal adviser, state financial officer, district officers and officials at the sub-district level.
“I am confident that if we work towards finding a solution, we will eventually reach common ground and achieve the consensus needed to ensure Negri Sembilan is governed effectively,” he said.
The constitutional and administrative crisis in Negri Sembilan, a state with a monarchy rooted in Minangkabau traditions, began in April this year.
The impasse is approaching a critical juncture as statutory deadlines for resolving the crisis draw nearer.
The Negri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly has yet to convene since the state election in early August amid the continuing dispute involving the state’s royal institution.