N Sembilan MB says he has no power to decide state ruler alone, invokes state laws in latest twist

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim has invoked the state constitution to address a controversial proclamation concerning the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, saying he lacks the unilateral power to depose the state ruler.

However, Ismail did not address his earlier claim that he was forced to sign a proclamation to remove state ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, or explain why he waited over a month before lodging a police report about the matter.

In a statement today, he said the proclamation must be assessed based on the Constitution of the Government of Negeri Sembilan 1959 and the principles of constitutional monarchy, rather than as a political or personal matter.

Ismail said the state constitution specifically provides for the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the related processes, adding that the proclamation itself did not create constitutional power.

“The questions that must be determined are the source of authority for the proclamation, the conditions and procedures prescribed by the constitution, and whether all those requirements have been complied with.

“In the context of Article 10 of the Negeri Sembilan constitution, the provisions establish a specific framework concerning action affecting the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, including requirements relating to the process and proclamation,” he said.

'Power is from constitution, laws'

Ismail said although the state constitution prescribes the involvement of the menteri besar, this does not mean the menteri besar has the power to determine the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, and that this too must be carried out within the legal framework.

READ MORE: N Sembilan rebel chieftains 'prove' MB backed ruler's ouster, Ismail only denies Zahid's involvement

“Fourth, this issue is not about who has greater political power. In a constitutional monarchy, power must derive from the constitution and the law.

“The royal institution, the undangs, the menteri besar, and the state government each have their respective positions and functions as determined by the state constitution,” Ismail said.

He said the key questions were whether the proclamation had constitutional authority, whether the required conditions and procedures were followed, and whether it therefore had legal effect.

“The constitution must be the foundation. Constitutional processes must be respected. Institutions must be preserved,” Ismail added.

The proclamation is the latest in a months-long dispute between state territorial chieftains, or undangs, and Tuanku Muhriz, which also saw the proclamation of Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Jaafar as the new state ruler by the rebel undangs in June.

Proclamation 'invalid'

Ismail is said to have signed the document to remove Tuanku Muhriz on Aug 3, one day after he was sworn in as menteri besar before the state ruler, whom the federal government also recognises as legitimate.

On Sept 9, he claimed he signed the document under duress, making it invalid. He also said he lodged a police report over the matter on Sept 8.

Ismail has not explained why he met the rebel chieftains in the first place, or why he waited more than a month before lodging a police report.

Yesterday, Bernama reported that police have opened an investigation paper into Ismail's claim that he had signed the instrument of proclamation unwillingly and under coercion.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said further developments on the matter would be shared later.

SNAPSHOT | Bar case: Court trims damages for Shafee; speaker to block motions axing N Sembilan MB

MB signed document to remove Tuanku Muhriz voluntarily, lawyer claims, recounts timeline

UMNO AGM | Zahid says unaware if more charges coming over TH; Umno 'hoping for the best' with Najib pardon

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

N Sembilan rebel chieftains 'prove' MB backed ruler's ouster, Ismail only denies Zahid's involvement

N Sembilan nobles claim MB supports ruler's removal; Ismail stays loyal