SEREMBAN, Feb 2 – The Barisan Nasional (BN) state government in Negri Sembilan is finding itself on the defensive amid swirling rumours of defections to the Pakatan Rakyat (PR).
For the second time in a week, Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has had to deny speculation that a number of BN state legislators were planning to defect to PR.
The BN coalition holds a slim majority in the state assembly. Three defections to the PR alliance would see BN lose power.
Speculation is rife in Seremban that three Umno representatives and one MCA lawmaker are considering crossing over to PR.
The rumours come even as a separate political drama is being played out in Ipoh, where BN and PR appear to be in an intriguing battle to lure each other’s assemblymen as the PR state government totters on the brink of collapse.
Bernama news agency reported Mohamad as telling reporters in Seremban today that the rumours were merely a ploy by PR.
“We should not fall prey into the opposition trap. After seeking clarification from the assemblymen, we know that the opposition is full of hot air,” he told reporters after meeting BN elected representatives and Negri Sembilan BN Backbenchers Club here.
Palong assemblyman Datuk Aziz Shamsudin also quashed rumours that he would be joining the opposition, Bernama reported.
“I am not jumping party. No opposition representatives have approached me but I welcome them if they want to see me,” he said.
State executive councillor and Serting assemblyman Shamsulkahar Mohd Deli denied a blog posting that he was contemplating leaving BN.
“I am not affected by this slander. Let me clear my name, this is utterly a slander by irresponsible people,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
State BN Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, who is also Sungai Lui assemblyman, said the people should not be hoodwinked by the opposition strategy to weaken the state government.
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