Deputy PM Zahid Denies Betraying Pakatan Harapan Ahead of Negri Sembilan Polls
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed allegations that Umno betrayed Pakatan Harapan (PH) ahead of the upcoming Negri Sembilan state election, insisting that political cooperation at the state level effectively ended with the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly.
Speaking to reporters after officiating the Fourth Edition South-East Asian Scholars Conference 2026, Ahmad Zahid said Umno’s support for the Negri Sembilan government remained intact throughout its term and that political parties naturally reassess their strategies once an administration reaches the end of its mandate.
“There is no issue of betrayal because our support for the government in Negri Sembilan remained until the end of the term. Once the Mentri Besar announced the dissolution of the assembly, each coalition party had the responsibility to pursue its own goals and political direction,” he said.
His remarks came in response to criticism from some Pakatan Harapan leaders, who argued that the state election was triggered after several Umno assemblymen withdrew support for Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
Zahid stressed that elections provide an opportunity for political parties to strengthen their standing and seek greater representation in both state assemblies and Parliament.
“I do not believe there is any betrayal when a state government’s term or a national administration reaches its conclusion. At that point, every party seeks the best approach to strengthen its position and secure public support,” he said.
The Negri Sembilan constitutional and political crisis emerged from a dispute involving the State Legislative Assembly, Mentri Besar Aminuddin Harun, and the state’s four Undang (ruling chiefs) regarding the status of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. The dispute ultimately led to the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly on June 5.
Zahid also defended the Election Commission’s (EC) decision to hold the Johor and Negri Sembilan state elections on separate dates, rejecting criticism from leaders who questioned the scheduling.
Responding to comments by Housing and Local Government Minister and DAP leader Nga Kor Ming, Zahid said election scheduling falls solely under the jurisdiction of the EC and should not be politicised.
“That authority belongs entirely to the Election Commission. Individuals, especially Cabinet members and senior leaders of parties within the government, should refrain from making personal attacks on the commission,” he said.
Nga had earlier described the EC’s explanation for holding separate polls as “absurd” and “ridiculous” and suggested that the commission should resign if it could not conduct simultaneous elections for two states that dissolved their assemblies only days apart.
The Election Commission has scheduled polling day for the Johor state election on July 11, while voters in Negeri Sembilan will head to the polls on Aug. 1.
As political parties prepare for the crucial state contests, Zahid maintained that Umno’s actions were guided by democratic processes and coalition realities, not by any intention to undermine its political partners.