‘Negeri Sembilan Government Must Not Be Indecisive or Bow to Political Pressure’ – PM

PUTRAJAYA: The Negeri Sembilan government and its Menteri Besar must take a firmer stand and neither be indecisive nor bow to political pressure in addressing the controversy involving the state’s constitutional monarchy.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, remains unaffected and all parties must ensure that the prescribed rules and procedures are fully observed.

“I hope the state government and the Menteri Besar will take a firmer stand, not be indecisive and not bow to political pressure because this concerns the constitutional monarchy,” he told the media after performing Friday prayers at Surau Nur Perdana, Precinct 10, here today.

He was commenting on developments in Negeri Sembilan, which were also discussed at the Cabinet meeting, including the Attorney General’s comprehensive statement on the issue.

Anwar said any proposal to remove a Ruler was no small matter, as the country’s system of governance is founded on the Constitution and upholds the institution of the monarchy.

“Indeed, a proposal to remove a Ruler is not a small matter. Our country is founded on a constitutional system that upholds the monarchy, and if this is taken lightly, it will create many problems,” he said.

However, the Prime Minister said he did not dismiss the legal principles applicable in Negeri Sembilan or the customs governing the system of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Undang.

Instead, he stressed that the more important matter at present was to ensure that all rules were observed and the prescribed procedures were fully followed.

“What is important to us now is that the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar remains unaffected.

“We pray to Allah SWT that Tuanku will be able to continue residing on the throne and carry out his duties well,” he said.

Anwar also reminded all parties to comply with the prescribed processes and procedures should there be any proposal from the Undang or other relevant parties.

Previously, the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council (EXCO) stated that the proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz from the throne was valid and recognised Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the new Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

According to a statement by the EXCO members, the decision was made at a meeting chaired by Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim last Monday.

However, the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) had earlier maintained that Tuanku Muhriz remains the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, claiming that no valid process had taken place that would result in him ceasing to hold the position.

Berita Harian