N Sembilan crisis: Amanah calls for another snap election

Amanah wants another round of elections in Negeri Sembilan, indicating that the state government is untenable due to conflict with the palace.

The progressive Islamic party, which failed to win any seats in the Aug 1 snap polls, is likely aiming to capitalise on unhappiness with Umno to regain lost ground.

However, it is not clear how big a factor the feud with the palace will be in an election. While Umno did tout that it could solve the royal crisis before the last election, the party's victory is mostly due to a Malay unity agenda thanks to support from PAS.

If Umno wins again, the deadlock is likely to continue unless the party decides to change course and back Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

In a statement today, Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil (above) said Umno had failed to respect the Malay royal institution in staging a coup against Tuanku Muhriz.

He also asserted Umno's move was against the wishes of Negeri Sembilan voters.

At present, the state government is siding with rebel chieftains and has backed a rival claimant to the throne, Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar.

However, the situation is at an impasse as the state secretary has refused to gazette Tunku Nadzaruddin's ascension, while Tuanku Muhriz also has backing from Putrajaya.

In a tit-for-tat move today, Tuanku Muhriz revoked the appointments of all exco members except for Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim, although that is also being contested.

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