Ex-N Sembilan MB backs Tuanku Muhriz as lawmakers question legitimacy of exco statement

Former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun is rallying support for Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, while two Pakatan Harapan lawmakers have questioned the legitimacy of the state executive council statement affirming his removal and recognising Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the successor.

In a statement on Facebook today, Aminuddin (above), who is also the state PKR chief, called for solidarity from the people of the state.

“I call on all the people of Negeri Sembilan to stand united and pray for the well-being of His Royal Highness Tunku Muhriz, as well as to defend the sovereignty of the institution of constitutional monarchy.

“Reject leaders who betray the royal institution and violate the (state) constitution. Our loyalty is only to the king and country," he said.

Is this state govt's official position?

Two state elected representatives, meanwhile, have questioned whether the exco’s statement could be regarded as the state government's official position.

Bahau assemblyperson Teo Kok Seong, who previously served as a state exco member, said official government positions or announcements were usually made through a statement by the menteri besar or the state secretary’s office.

“Therefore, a joint statement by the exco members only reflects the position of the exco members concerned and should not be regarded as the official position of the state government,” he said.

In a separate statement, Nilai assemblyperson and opposition leader J Arul Kumar called for an immediate explanation over what he described as two different and seemingly contradictory media statements concerning Tuanku Muhriz and the royal institution.

Arul was referring to Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim's statement issued yesterday, and the exco statement today.

Ismail had said that the menteri besar does not have the unilateral power to remove a sitting ruler and invoked the state constitution.

Arul said exco members were free to express differing views during discussions, but once a decision was reached, the government’s position must be unified.

He stressed that the official decision should not be conveyed in conflicting ways that could confuse the public.

“If it is true that there are two conflicting statements regarding the same matter, this situation must be clarified immediately by the state government,” he said.

Arul (above) also urged the state government to explain the actual decision made at the exco meeting.

"Were both media statements based on the same exco decision? If there is a difference, which official decision is valid and applicable? What steps will be taken to resolve this matter in accordance with the Negeri Sembilan constitution?

"Any resolution must be made based on the provisions of the law and the appropriate constitutional channels," he said.

Lawful resolution needed

He pointed out that the Negeri Sembilan royal institution is a symbol of the state’s sovereignty, history and identity, and that matters involving its position and status must be handled with due propriety, responsibility and in accordance with the law.

“Differences in official statements of this nature should not occur, especially when they involve the royal institution and matters with significant implications for the state’s stability and the people’s confidence in the state administration.

“In the interests of Negeri Sembilan, the royal institution and the stability of the state administration, this matter must be resolved with wisdom, in accordance with the law and in the spirit of responsibility towards the people,” he added.

Aminuddin, Teo and Arul's reactions follow the latest development in a months-long dispute over the Negeri Sembilan throne.

In its statement today, the state exco said that the April 19 proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz had been signed and sealed by the legitimate undang, and that the decision to remove him was the absolute prerogative of the Undang Yang Empat, the four ruling territorial chiefs who elect the state ruler.

READ MORE: N Sembilan exco says Tuanku Muhriz removal valid, recognises Tuanku Nadzaruddin as ruler

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

However, the statement did not address the Council of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Ruling Chiefs (Dewan Keadilan dan Undang; DKU) position that Article 10 of the state constitution, which allows the four chieftains to remove a ruler, requires a thorough enquiry.

Ismail had previously claimed he was forced to sign the proclamation on Aug 3 and lodged a police report over the matter.

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