Germas assemblyman Ridzuan Ahmad acknowledged that it was not suitable to have a change in the state government at this time, despite Barisan Nasional’s 14 assemblymen retracting support for menteri besar Aminuddin Harun.

He said he was now taking a neutral stand on the matter, as the focus should be on economic issues like reducing the cost of living and providing job opportunities.

“I decided to take this stand after considering the people’s interest and the stability of both the state and the nation,” Utusan Malaysia quoted him as saying.

“It is my priority to ensure political stability to allow economic recovery to continue, especially amid this challenging global economic climate.”

Ridzuan said he will continue to carry out his responsibility as an opposition assemblyman acting as a check and balance on the state government.

Previously, Negeri Sembilan Perikatan Nasional, with its five assemblymen, gave BN the backing to form a new state government. A simple majority of 19 assemblymen is needed to form the government.

On Saturday, state BN chief Jalaluddin Alias took responsibility for the crisis, but said the withdrawal of support for Aminuddin was necessary to steer members back to Umno’s core struggle.

He also said the 14 Umno assemblymen were prepared to assume the role of the opposition until the next state election.