Anwar backs N Sembilan polls, says federal govt recognises Tuanku Muhriz as rightful ruler

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his support for an election in Negeri Sembilan amid a royal crisis plaguing the state, 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 Tuanku Munawir’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 (Aminuddin Harun) 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,” Anwar said.

Speaking to reporters after performing Friday prayers in Puchong today, the prime minister affirmed that Putrajaya will continue to defend the dignity and sovereignty of the monarchy.

“Even though the federal government is not directly involved (in the issue), we have to give our advice (as) especially for the Malays and the rakyat, the monarchy is not just a name, but (represents) dignity (with) several methods and rules,” he added.

Earlier today, Negeri Sembilan’s territorial chieftains (Undang Luak) proclaimed Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the new Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan in a brief ceremony at a hotel in Alor Gajah, Malacca.

The development came after the Undang Yang Empat issued two proclamations on April 19, one of which was their unanimous agreement to remove Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

The second proclamation is for Tunku Nadzaruddin to be installed as the next Yang di-Pertuan Besar with immediate effect.

Subsequently, Aminuddin disputed Tuanku Muhriz’s sacking as one of the undangs who backed the proclamation, Mubarak Thahak of Sungai Ujong, had been removed from office.

‘Hotel proclamation will affect monarchy’s image’

Commenting on today’s ceremonial event, Anwar emphasised that removing or appointing any royal figure will have serious implications for the nation’s harmony.

“We view this matter very seriously, and I have conveyed my views to the relevant parties.

“(However), the proclamation continued at a hotel - I think this will affect the image and identity of the monarchy,” he added.

He further referenced the Seremban High Court’s temporary injunction order to preserve the status quo, as part of a legal battle between the Undang Luak and the state’s Council of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Ruling Chiefs (Dewan Keadilan dan Undang).

In a press conference late last night, Aminuddin announced the dissolution of the Negeri Sembilan legislature, effective today, after receiving consent from Tuanku Muhriz.

In a letter sent via their lawyer to legislative speaker MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman, the chieftains expressed their formal objection to the state assembly’s dissolution, claiming that their consent was not sought as the state’s co-rulers.

They warned that various legal implications, including the validity of the eventual election results, could be raised if the dissolution is allowed to proceed.

The chieftains cited several provisions under the state constitution, including Article 28(1), which stipulates that the term “ruler” in the state constitution refers to both the state Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the ruling chiefs “who are available and holding office at the material time”.

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