KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today he had instructed Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun to carry out his duties as per usual, even as the Negeri Sembilan Umno chapter had openly expressed its intention to form a new government.

Late yesterday evening, Umno leaders from the state said it has the backing of five Perikatan Nasional state assemblymen to give them a simple majority to overthrow the current Pakatan Harapan-led administration. 

Umno has 14 of the 36-seated state legislative assembly.

“For now I have told the MB it’s work as usual and there shouldn’t be any obstruction to legal processes,” Anwar told reporters after speaking at the launch of UCSI’s new building here.

The turmoil in Negeri Sembilan began when one of the state’s four Udang (territorial chieftains), Datuk Mubarak Dohak, sought to remove Tuanku Muhriz by signing a declaration earlier this month at the Balai Undang Luak Sungai Ujong.

Aminuddin said Mubarak’s action was unconstitutional as the declaration has no legal or customary standing because the latter was no longer Undang Luak Sungai Ujong by then.

Yesterday, Negeri Sembilan Umno chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias declared all 14 Umno assemblymen had withdrawn their support for Aminuddin, citing loss of confidence because of the way the latter handled the royal dispute.

Today, Anwar was asked if the power grab in Negeri Sembilan could affect the federal coalition government.

“What happens next depends on the circumstances and will be decided by Negeri Sembilan and the Undang. Therefore, it is unfair to pass judgment or make hasty decisions that would negate or create political instability in Negeri Sembilan.

“This is because the choice before the menteri besar is to safeguard the state’s interests while respecting and upholding the institution of the Monarchy.

“In my view, we must maintain harmony. The country is facing economic issues and an ongoing economic crisis; now is not the time for power struggles or backstabbing,” he replied.