Conference of Rulers postponed, spotlight falls on N Sembilan polls

 

The Conference of Rulers scheduled for June 23 to 25 has been postponed, according to media reports.

The Straits Times of Singapore claimed that the postponement was due to the dispute over the throne in Negeri Sembilan.

“While a spokesperson for the National Palace (Istana Negara) confirmed the cancellation of the Conference of Rulers to The Straits Times early on June 23, no further details were offered.

“But several sources, including a chief minister scheduled to attend the conference following the nine monarchs’ ‘pre-council’ meeting, told ST that there had been concerns over whether it was appropriate to proceed given the two claimants to the throne of Negeri Sembilan,” read the report.

The Straits Times also claimed that the development has raised doubt if the state election in Negeri Sembilan, which has been fixed for Aug 1, would take place.

Similarly, The Star also attributed the postponement to the crisis in Negeri Sembilan, stating that five senior rulers, including Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, met a few days ago.

“The rulers prefer the matter be settled and not drag on to the courts,” one royal watcher was quoted as stating.

Objection to dissolution

On June 5, Malaysiakini reported that Negeri Sembilan’s territorial chieftains and customary leaders have formally objected to the dissolution of the state assembly announced by Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun the night before.

In a letter sent through their lawyer to the assembly speaker, MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman, the chieftains said the decision was made without their permission as the state’s co-rulers.

They claimed Aminuddin’s act violated the Negeri Sembilan constitution and urged the speaker to take immediate corrective action.

On the same day, the chieftains also proclaimed Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the new Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, replacing Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

This raised questions about the dissolution of the state legislative assembly, which Tuanku Muhriz consented to.

However, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his support for an election in Negeri Sembilan, stressing that the rule of law and customary practices must be adhered to at all times.

Declaring that the federal government continues to uphold Tuanku Muhriz’s position as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Anwar said that while he has no objections to the voicing of dissenting opinions, such stances should be conveyed appropriately.

“I fully support the menteri besar’s move, stating that due to the current conditions and uncertainties, it would be best to hold a state election, and Tuanku Muhriz has consented.

“If there are any other viewpoints, they should be voiced based on legitimate channels according to the constitution, and without causing anxiety to the rakyat (or) complicating state administrative matters,” he said. - Mkini