Under fire, N Sembilan Umno hits back at ex-MB, demands release of critical meeting minutes

 

As Negeri Sembilan’s Umno-led government comes under fire over the state’s ongoing royal and administrative crisis, the party has hit back at the previous state government and reiterated its stance on tackling an “inherited” dispute.

State Umno information chief Sufian Maradzi pressed for the release of the minutes for a Negeri Sembilan Council of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Ruling Chiefs (Dewan Keadilan dan Undang or DKU) meeting on April 17, which he described as a “critical turning point” in the royal dispute.

The April 17 DKU meeting concerned the removal of Mubarak Thahak as Sungai Ujong undang (territorial chieftain), which sparked the current imbroglio plaguing the state’s royal, customary, and government players.

The call came amid tensions over whether Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim can resolve the crisis, following a three-hour-long meeting with Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir yesterday.

Tuanku Muhriz’s audience with the Juasseh assemblyperson was held at Istana Hinggap in Seremban, days after the state government gazetted the ruler’s order revoking the appointments of 10 state excos who violated their oath of allegiance to him. 

How it all began

In calling for the DKU meeting minutes, Sufian (above) stressed that the chain of events leading to the impasse should not be “selectively interpreted” and claimed that the previous state administration under PKR’s Aminuddin Harun had failed to address concerns on the matter.

“Why was the record that served as the foundation for such a major decision not produced when the dispute first arose?” Sufian questioned in a statement today.

“Had that record been clarified from the start, a large portion of the confusion, institutional dispute, and subsequent administrative crisis could likely have been avoided.

“It is inappropriate to discuss the impact of today’s crisis without acknowledging how it began - do not let a situation arise where stone-throwing hands are hidden, while today’s government is facing a dispute inherited from the previous administration,” he asserted. 

Sungai Ujong clan leaders reportedly presented their case to remove Mubarak as the territory's undang at the April 17 DKU meeting.

The meeting eventually led to the chieftains, known as Undang Yang Empat, sacking Tuanku Muhriz and naming Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the rightful ruler.

Before the dissolution of the state assembly on June 5, the four chieftains also initiated a legal case seeking the meeting minutes. The bid is pending before the Seremban High Court. 

Meanwhile, Sufian said the state government should be given space to resolve the crisis in an orderly, constitutional, and respectful manner, and that issues about the state's royal institution and governance structure should not be used to "generate political pressure".

“If Negeri Sembilan PKR truly wishes to see this crisis resolved, then start with the question that remains the basis of the entire crisis: disputing parties are demanding the document, and the previous government failed to resolve the matter in an orderly and respectful manner. 

“Do not pick only parts of the narrative that suit political interests,” he said.

In an immediate response to Sufian, who is Seri Menanti assemblyperson, Aminuddin reaffirmed on Threads that he did not have the authority to release the minutes of the April 17 DKU meeting.

“I have repeatedly stated that I was merely a present member (in the meeting)... I do not have the authority to request the DKU secretary to hand over meeting minutes that had not yet been verified by the DKU.

“The meeting minutes are classified matters and can only be declassified by the DKU chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar,” Aminuddin said.

As such, he urged Umno to “read and review” the Negeri Sembilan constitution and the DKU’s rules before issuing statements. 

“May Umno realise and stop all political games at a time when the people are anxious and restless. Please start working,” he added.

Potential fallout from unstable govt

Earlier today, Aminuddin expressed Negeri Sembilan PKR’s disappointment with Ismail’s actions and stance, which are alleged to be at odds with Tuanku Muhriz’s decree. 

Noting that Negeri Sembilan PKR held a meeting on the matter last night, the former menteri besar cautioned that uncertainties in the state administration and the status of its executive council can potentially delay important matters requiring state authorities’ consideration.

“Investment affairs, development, land approvals and transfers, as well as project implementations, could potentially be affected.

“This could undermine investor confidence, complicate matters for landowners and traders, and impact job opportunities and the people’s income,” he said.

He added that the prolonged disputes have fueled perceptions that the state government appears “ineffective”, and uncertainty in leadership and decision-making processes can cause confusion among civil servants, investors, local authorities, and the rakyat.

“Negeri Sembilan PKR’s stance is clear: it will always express utmost gratitude and support to Tuanku Muhriz, while respecting the position and role of the royal institution within the framework of the Federal Constitution and the state constitution.”  - Mkini