While Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil thanked Umno for stating it would continue to back the unity government in Negeri Sembilan, he said such discussions should have been held before the “treacherous takeover attempt” by the 14 Umno assemblymen.

“It is unreasonable and nonsensical to propose discussions after stabbing coalition partners in the back,” said Faiz in a statement.

Faiz also criticised the 14 assemblymen for establishing ties with five Perikatan Nasional assemblymen to attempt to form a new state government, which he said could not be interpreted as anything other than malicious treachery.

He recommended that the Umno assemblymen reverse their withdrawal of support for menteri besar Aminuddin Harun and be given stern warnings.

“Only once such actions are taken can a proposal for discussions be taken seriously and considered,” he said.

Earlier, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki called for an urgent meeting between the Umno and PH political bureaus, in line with the memorandum of understanding on the unity government, which stipulates that disputed policy matters be resolved through a consultative council.

He said Umno will also continue to back the unity government in Negeri Sembilan, despite the retraction of support for Aminuddin by its assemblymen.

Asyraf said the party’s Negeri Sembilan chief, Jalaluddin Alias, had explained the rationale for withdrawing support for Aminuddin, and that Umno respected the decision.