Zahid defends Umno’s solo bid in Negeri Sembilan, rejects betrayal claims

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — Umno has rejected allegations of betrayal levelled by Negeri Sembilan caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, with party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi saying the party’s support for Aminuddin’s administration was only intended to last until the dissolution of the state assembly.

According to Utusan Malaysia, Zahid said there had been no act of betrayal on the part of Negeri Sembilan Umno, as the party’s backing for the menteri besar had been given only until the end of the state’s term.

He said that after Aminuddin announced the dissolution of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly on June 5, Umno decided to contest the upcoming state election independently.

“We work as a coalition of parties that naturally has its own direction, which must be translated into action.

“I do not think there has been any betrayal when the term of a state administration or the federal government has come to an end,” he told reporters after officiating the 4th Southeast Asian Scholars Conference 2026 here today.

Zahid said Umno’s leadership was focused on finding the best way to strengthen the party’s position, whether in the state assembly or in Parliament.

“Once the state assembly has been dissolved, we seek the best approach to reinforce our position in the state assembly or in Parliament,” he said.

His remarks came a day after Aminuddin accused Umno of betraying its allies and urged voters to punish the party in the Negeri Sembilan state election on August 1.

Speaking at the launch of Pakatan Harapan’s Negeri Sembilan election machinery, Aminuddin called on supporters to turn out in large numbers on polling day, saying voter turnout should reach 80 per cent.

“Show our dissatisfaction towards those who betrayed us. If possible, we do not want just around 70 per cent voter turnout on August 1. We want 80 per cent of voters to cast their ballots.

“This is our opportunity. This is our moment. Show them. Teach them a lesson. Make sure that the people today are able to mete out punishment to them. Those who can deliver that punishment are the voters,” he said.

Election Commission chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun announced yesterday that polling for the Negeri Sembilan election will be held on August 1, with nominations set for July 18 and early voting on July 28.