BANGI: A senior academician has not ruled out the possibility that the ongoing royal crisis in Negeri Sembilan is being closely watched by Rulers in other states.
While acknowledging the state’s unique Adat Perpatih system of electing its Ruler, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Institute of the Malay World and Civilisation research fellow Dr Faizal Musa said the situation would serve as “some form of guidance”.
“I believe what is happening in Negeri Sembilan is being closely watched by the royal households of other states,” said Faizal, who is also a visiting senior fellow with ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
“Like it or not, it will become a form of guidance for royal households in other states, if not their people. The people will say that ‘In Negeri Sembilan this had happened before’.”
Faizal said the crisis carries wider significance for Malays beyond the state.
“We are seeing far-reaching interest in this issue, beyond Negeri Sembilan,” he added.
@twentytwo13news Adakah apa yang berlaku di Negeri Sembilan akan mempunyai sebarang kesan kepada institusi Raja-Raja Melayu? Twentytwo13 mendapatkan pandangan daripada Dr Faizal Musa, Felo Penyelidik di Institut Alam dan Tamadun Melayu di Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Baca berita selanjutnya di Twentytwo13. #berita #negerisembilan #twentytwo13 #twentytwo13news ♬ original sound – Twentytwo13
In Negeri Sembilan, the four Undang represent the main traditional districts (luak) – Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol and Rembau. The Undang are traditional territorial chiefs who play a central role in electing the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and advising on customary law under the state’s Adat Perpatih.
Controversy arose on April 19 when the former Undang of Sungai Ujong, Datuk Mubarak Dohak, and three other chieftains announced they had deposed Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir. They then named Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the next Yang di-Pertuan Besar with immediate effect. Tuanku Ja’afar Tuanku Abdul Rahman was Tuanku Muhriz’s predecessor.
However, it remains unclear whether a “full and complete enquiry” was conducted in line with Article 10(1) of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, or why Tuanku Muhriz was required to step down.
Soon after, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the declaration by the Undang was invalid, as Mubarak had been sacked. The dismissal, reportedly carried out in May last year, followed allegations that Mubarak had committed 33 offences. In response, the chieftains called for Aminuddin’s removal as menteri besar.
Since then, all 14 Umno representatives in the state have withdrawn their support for Aminuddin, while Pakatan Harapan leaders in the state continue to back him. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the PKR president, said last week he had instructed Aminuddin to carry out his duties as usual.
Observers said the move by Negeri Sembilan Umno exposed possible fractures within Umno-led Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, even at the federal level.
In an interview with select media at Umno’s 80th anniversary celebration, party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Barisan Nasional is almost certain to go solo in the 16th General Election. Ahmad Zahid is also Deputy Prime Minister.
Former Court of Appeal judge and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof, when met by Twentytwo13 recently, said the situation must be handled with care.
“It should be handled appropriately, with budi pekerti, and adat resam… the Malay way,” said Mohamad Ariff.
“For the ordinary rakyat, what matters are the civil institutions, and the cement is the royal institution.
“You might preserve the royal institution, but it must not rock the civil institutions. So it should be business as usual in Negeri Sembilan,” he added.
