SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan state legislative assembly sitting is usually a quiet affair. But the opening of the assembly tomorrow has become a closely watched one after an unprecedented move to depose the state Ruler.
Despite the moves by the four Undang, the chiefs who decide on who rules the state, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir will attend and officially open the state session.
The Ruler is scheduled to deliver his royal address at the opening of the first meeting of the assembly’s fourth session at 10am.
Before the proceedings commence, Tuanku Muhriz is set to receive the “royal salute” and inspect a guard of honour, which will be mounted by members of the 14th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (RMR) from Syed Sirajuddin Camp located in Gemas.
As per convention, the Tunku Besar of Tampin will then be the first to enter the state assembly hall, followed by the four Undang – from Sungei Ujong, Jelebu, Johol and Rembau.
The question now is whether the four Undang and Tunku Besar of Tampin will attend the ceremony. A source said invitations had been sent out before the royal controversy began on April 17.
“As of today, we have not received any instruction to defer the opening,” the source said, adding that the assembly will sit for three days from Monday.
Yesterday, RMR personnel were seen carrying out a full rehearsal for the opening ceremony.
The royal controversy blew up on Sunday evening when the four ruling chiefs led by Undang of Sungei Ujong, Datuk Mubarak Dohak, decided to remove Tuanku Muhriz as the state Ruler.
The other three chieftains are the Undang of Jelebu Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, Undang of Johol Datuk Muhammed Abdullah and Undang of Rembau Datuk Abdul Rahim Yasin.
They claimed the decision was made due to alleged misconduct on the part of Tuanku Muhriz. They did not elaborate.
They had unanimously decided to name the Tunku Panglima of Negri Sembilan Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
However, a few hours later and into the wee hours of Monday, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun issued a statement stating that his administration did not recognise the declaration, arguing that Mubarak no longer held any authority.
Mubarak had been removed as Undang on April 17 due to offences related to the traditions and customary laws, after a meeting of the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU).
Mubarak’s removal, Aminuddin said, was also carried out in accordance with Article 14(3) of the Laws of the Constitution of Negri Sembilan.
The DKU is the highest authority governing the four Undang of Negri Sembilan.
In retaliation, the four Undang then issued a joint statement on Sunday disputing Aminuddin’s claim that the DKU had advised that Mubarak be removed.
They claimed the DKU members who met on April 17 did not make a collective and unanimous decision on the matter during the meeting.
The four said they did not agree to Mubarak’s removal.
They went on to say that Aminuddin was no longer fit to lead the state administration and should be replaced.
