Malaysia’s Democratic Action Party (DAP) has rejected accusations that it is responsible for the ongoing political crisis in Negeri Sembilan, with party secretary-general Anthony Loke saying it is unfair to continue blaming the party when it is no longer part of the state government.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday (Oct 11) at the 24th DAP Negeri Sembilan annual convention, Loke said the current turmoil was not caused by DAP and that the party remained focused on its responsibilities to the public.
He also urged political opponents to stop using DAP as an explanation for the unfolding situation.
“What is happening today is certainly not caused by us,” he said, adding that DAP had been linked to the crisis during the state election campaign.
Dispute over state executive council appointments
The political impasse has intensified following developments involving Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim and the state’s ruler, Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
Loke said the ruler had instructed Ismail to submit a new list of state executive councillors, commonly known as Exco members, to fill the vacant positions.
According to Loke, there was no reason for Barisan Nasional (BN) to delay the appointments, as the coalition held a majority in the state legislative assembly.
He said the state administration could continue operating by appointing new executive councillors, but the decision ultimately rested with the relevant political leaders.
Loke also described a state government operating with only a menteri besar and no executive councillors as unusual.
The absence of an executive council could affect the administration of the state, he said, because many government decisions and administrative matters require the council’s approval.
DAP denies involvement in moves against the menteri besar
Loke also rejected suggestions that DAP was involved in political manoeuvring against Ismail, including any effort to initiate a vote of no confidence against him.
He said BN had the numbers in the state assembly and that decisions about the menteri besar’s position were for the relevant parties to determine.
Loke added that he had reminded DAP’s elected representatives to remain focused on their duties rather than becoming distracted by the political uncertainty.
While he could not say how long the crisis might continue, he said DAP was prepared for any eventuality.
Political uncertainty continues in Negeri Sembilan
The dispute has created uncertainty over the functioning of Negeri Sembilan’s state administration, particularly as questions remain over the appointment of a new executive council.
The crisis also comes after a period of political change in the state, where disagreements involving political parties and the royal institution have complicated efforts to restore normal government operations.
Loke maintained that DAP should not be held responsible for the current situation and argued that the state government had a path to continue its work through the appointment of replacement executive councillors.
Whether the relevant leaders will move to resolve the impasse remains unclear, leaving the state’s political situation under close scrutiny.
