SEREMBAN: The absence of state dignitaries at the opening of the first term of the fourth session of the 15th state legislative assembly will not affect the legitimacy of the session, says Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan said although it was a norm for them to be present at the official opening of the assembly, their decision to stay away will not disrupt proceedings of the day.
Although the Negri Ruler did not name the dignitaries, it is believed he was referring to the four Undang, or ruling chieftains, and the Tunku Besar Tampin.
The chieftains had said late on Wednesday (April 22) that they would be giving the ceremony a miss.
The Negri Ruler said the administration of the state government should continue and function as usual to ensure the continuity of orderly governance.
He added that the interests of the people must always be safeguarded during his address at the opening of the assembly.
This was the first time the Negri Ruler had spoken following an attempt by the ruling chieftains to depose him on April 19.
Earlier, Tuanku Muhriz and his consort Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud were seen leaving Istana Hinggap at about 9.25am.
The royal couple arrived at the state assembly building five minutes later and were greeted by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
They were also received by Speaker Datuk MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman and state secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim.
Conspicuously missing were the Undang of Sungei Ujong Datuk Mubarak Dohak, Undang of Jelebu Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, and Undang of Johol Datuk Muhammed Abdullah.
Undang of Rembau Datuk Abdul Rahim Yasin and Tunku Besar of Tampin Tunku Syed Razman Syed Idrus Al-Qadri were also absent.
The Negri Ruler then inspected a guard of honour mounted by 106 personnel from the 14th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment from the Syed Sirajuddin Camp in Gemas.
In a joint statement late on Wednesday (April 22), the chieftains advised the state government to defer the opening of the assembly until a new Yang di-Pertuan Besar is proclaimed.
They claimed Tuanku Muhriz could not officially open the assembly as he had been deposed on April 19.
The four Undang had decided to remove the Negri Ruler on the grounds of misconduct but did not elaborate on the matter.
They had also unanimously decided to name the Tunku Panglima of Negri Sembilan, Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'afar, as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
Aminuddin has since questioned the legality of the attempt, claiming Mubarak had himself been removed as Undang on April 17.
He said Mubarak was removed for offences related to customary laws following a meeting of the Council of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Ruling chiefs (DKU).
The DKU is the highest authority governing the four Undang of Negri Sembilan, though the four have since disputed the removal.
The chieftains went on to say that Aminuddin was no longer fit to lead the state administration and should be replaced.
In his address, the Negri Ruler reminded those entrusted with high positions to act only after carefully considering all relevant facts.
He emphasised that all actions and decisions must be guided by established rules and laws rather than personal desires or emotions.
Failure to adhere to these principles may undermine administrative integrity and the well-being of the state, he said.
The Negri Ruler also urged the public to ensure any comments on issues are made with a strong sense of responsibility and understanding.
He advised people not to be quick to believe or disseminate information without proper investigation and verification.
Earlier, a group calling itself the Secretariat of Support and Loyalty to the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and Mentri Besar handed a memorandum to the palace.
The document was received by Tunku Kecil Muda Tunku Datuk Mahmood Fawzy Tunku Muhiyiddin outside the Istana Hinggap gates.
