Resolve proclamation issue in court if necessary, says Negeri Sembilan MB

 Ismail Lasim says the issue should be viewed based on the state constitution, not as a political or personal matter.

Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Ismail Lasim said his participation in the constitutional processes involved did not give him the power to determine the position of the Yang Dipertuan Besar. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Ismail Lasim said the issue over the proclamation seeking to remove the state’s ruler, which he was allegedly forced to sign, should be resolved through legitimate constitutional and legal processes, including in court, if necessary.

He said a meeting of the state’s executive council today agreed that the issue should be viewed based on the state constitution and the principles of a constitutional monarchy, not as a political or personal matter.

“The position of the Yang Dipertuan Besar and the related processes are provided for specifically under the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Last week, four purported undangs presented a document allegedly containing a proclamation, dated Aug 3, to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

The document was said to have been signed by Ismail and the four, whose positions as undangs are disputed.

However, Ismail said he was coerced into signing the proclamation. He also said the document was invalid as it did not comply with the processes and procedures under Article 10 of the state constitution.

Earlier today, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail also confirmed that Ismail had filed two police reports regarding the proclamation, and that police had opened investigation papers.

In his post today, Ismail emphasised that he had no power to unilaterally remove Tuanku Muhriz as Yang Dipertuan Besar, and said the menteri besar’s participation in the constitutional processes involved did not give him the power to determine the state ruler’s position.

“The menteri besar’s role should be carried out within the boundaries of the state constitution and according to its intent.

“This issue is not about who has greater political power. In a constitutional monarchy, power must be derived from the constitution and laws.

“The royal institution, undangs, menteri besar and state government each have positions and functions determined by the state constitution,” he said. - FMT