MB 'forced' to sign order against Tuanku Muhriz, but doesn’t say why he met rebel undangs

 

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim has confirmed that he signed a document affirming the decision by rebel territorial chieftains to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as state ruler.

However, Ismail claimed he did it under duress and confirmed he had lodged a police report on the matter.

This came after the disputed Undang Yang Empat made public the form he signed last night.

The form was signed on Aug 3, a day after he took the oath as menteri besar. Ismail said he only lodged a police report yesterday evening. He did not explain why he waited over a month to lodge the report.

Ismail also did not reveal why he had met the disputed chieftains in the first place. The quartet has been attempting to remove Tuanku Muhriz since April over a power dispute, and has backed a rival claimant to the throne - Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Jaafar.

The menteri besar also did not dispute allegations in a Straits Times report that he had met the four rebel leaders together with Umno top leadership, including party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Thus far, he has also only said that Zahid is not involved in any moves against Tuanku Muhriz (above).

In his statement today, Ismail said the document he signed does not fulfil requirements under Article 10 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution, and as such, is unconstitutional, invalid, and can't be enforced.

Additionally, he said the state government exco meeting yesterday discussed establishing a reconciliation committee to resolve the ongoing customary dispute harmoniously.

He also reaffirmed his loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz, saying the latter was the only rightful Yang di-Pertuan Besar. - Mkini