N Sembilan cabinet says Tuanku Muhriz removal valid, recognises Tuanku Nadzaruddin as ruler

In the latest turn of events in Negeri Sembilan, the state exco line-up has issued a statement declaring the proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as Yang di-Pertuan Besar valid and recognising Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the new ruler with immediate effect.

It said the decision was reached at a meeting chaired by Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim yesterday.

Yesterday, Ismail (below) - who had previously pledged fealty to Tuanku Muhriz (above) - stated that the menteri besar did not have unilateral power to oust a sitting ruler.

On Monday, the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang maintained that Tuanku Muhriz remained the legitimate Yang di-Pertuan Besar, arguing that the April 19 proclamation was invalid and that constitutional procedures had not been properly followed.

It argued this is because three of the undangs did not lawfully hold the office as per custom. Further, it said that Article 10 of the state constitution, which allows the four chieftains to remove a ruler, requires that a thorough enquiry be held. There is no record of there being such an enquiry.

In its statement today, however, the state exco said the April proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz had been signed and sealed by the legitimate Undang Luak.

“It is the absolute prerogative of the Undang Yang Empat to elect and remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan from the throne,” it said.

The council said Ismail’s signature as menteri besar on Aug 3 completed the proclamation in accordance with the state constitution.

However, the exco did not touch on the enquiry requirement.

Upholding decision

Meanwhile, the state cabinet also recognised a separate April 19 proclamation selecting Tuanku Nadzaruddin (below) under Article 11 as valid

“The meeting upholds the decision made by the Undang Yang Empat and respects their prerogative as enshrined under customary law and the Negeri Sembilan State Constitution 1959,” it said.

The state administration was consequently instructed to implement the decision immediately.

The announcement marks the latest development in a months-long dispute over the Negeri Sembilan throne that began with the sacking of one of the four rebel undang.

Ismail had claimed he signed the proclamation on Aug 3 under coercion and lodged a police report over the matter.

Malaysiakini has contacted the menteri besar for clarification.

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