KUALA LUMPUR: While public attention is fixed on the Negeri Sembilan state election on Aug 1, discussions are already taking place behind the scenes over who will install the next menteri besar should a coalition form the next state government.
Twentytwo13 understands that certain political leaders have made efforts to reach out to Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar to install the next menteri besar should their coalition emerge victorious in the closely contested polls.
Negeri Sembilan practises Adat Perpatih, under which the state’s ruler – the Yang di-Pertuan Besar – is elected by the Undang Yang Empat, comprising the territorial chieftains of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol and Rembau.
In April, a rift between the four Undang and the incumbent Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, escalated into an attempt by the chieftains to depose him. The Undang Yang Empat and Tunku Besar Tampin later proclaimed Tunku Nadzaruddin as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar on June 5 at a hotel in Alor Gajah, Melaka.
The Comptroller of the Negeri Sembilan Royal Household, Datuk Azizi Mohamad Ali, subsequently declared the ceremony in Alor Gajah illegal. The Negeri Sembilan government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have also maintained that Tuanku Muhriz remains the lawful ruler.
The episode also saw the appointment of new chieftains, raising questions over the legitimacy of those who proclaimed Tunku Nadzaruddin as Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
On April 27, 14 Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen withdrew their support for Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun of PKR, citing, among other reasons, his administration’s perceived interference in Adat Perpatih and alleged disrespect towards the Undang. The move forced the dissolution of the state assembly, paving the way for the state election.
BN is riding on its landslide victory in Johor earlier this month, and a commanding win in Negeri Sembilan would further strengthen its momentum ahead of possible future state polls and the 16th general election.
The constitutional dispute is also before the courts through High Court injunction and contempt proceedings, while political leaders and legal experts remain divided over how the matter should ultimately be resolved.
Earlier today, Negeri Sembilan title and award registrar Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim announced that Tuanku Muhriz had revoked the state honours conferred on former menteri besar Tan Sri Mohd Rais Yatim with immediate effect. Rais is said to have played an instrumental role in the proclamation of Tunku Nadzaruddin as the new Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
Mohd Zafir said the decision was made to “safeguard the dignity, honour and sanctity of the Royal Institution of Negeri Sembilan”.
The honours revoked were the Darjah Seri Utama Negeri Sembilan (SPNS), conferred in 2001 and carrying the title Datuk Seri, and the Darjah Dato’ Setia Negeri Sembilan (DSNS), awarded in 1979 and carrying the title Datuk.
The unfolding saga is also being closely watched by other royal households. The Conference of Rulers meeting, scheduled for June 23-25, was postponed at the eleventh hour, a move that appeared to suggest the Rulers wanted greater clarity before allowing the rightful Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan to take his place at the meeting.
