Negeri Sembilan MB says proclamation’s validity must be determined legally
PETALING JAYA: Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim today said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s criticism of his and the state executive councillors’ actions was based on an incomplete picture of their role in the dispute involving the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
Anwar yesterday described the actions as “rude” and “uncivilised”.
Ismail said he respected Anwar’s concern for the royal institution but believed the criticism did not fully reflect the role played by the Menteri Besar and State Executive Council (MMKN) in the matter.
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“However, I am concerned that the criticism was based on an incomplete picture of the actual role of the MMKN and Exco in this matter,” he said.
Ismail stressed that the council and its executive councillors had not made any decision to remove or appoint the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
Instead, he said, they had discussed the state administration’s position on a proclamation presented as a legal decision requiring the consent of the MMKN and state government before administrative action could be taken.
“The Menteri Besar and Exco did not make any decision to remove or appoint the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
“MMKN had discussed the state administration’s position on the proclamation, which was presented as a legal decision requiring the consent of the MMKN and the state government for administrative action,” he said.
Ismail said the state government would not interfere in matters involving adat or the selection of the ruler, as these fell within the jurisdiction prescribed under the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.
He said questions concerning the validity of the proclamation, compliance with procedures and its constitutional implications should be determined through the relevant legal process.
“We respect any order of the court that is in force,” he said.
Ismail stressed that the state administration’s position should not be construed as an attempt to interfere with the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
He said the council’s role was confined to matters relating to the administration of the state government and its constitutional responsibilities.
The issue comes amid an ongoing dispute over the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the constitutional processes surrounding the matter.
