SEREMBAN: An eleventh-hour threat by the state’s four Undang and Tunku Besar Tampin to skip the official opening of the state legislative assembly had no impact, as the ceremony proceeded smoothly, with Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir affirming that the absence of state dignitaries would not affect the legitimacy of the session.
The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan said that, although it was the norm for state dignitaries to be present at the official opening of the assembly, their decision to stay away would not disrupt the day’s proceedings.
While 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.
“Despite the absence of state dignitaries who usually accompany me at every state legislative assembly session opening, this situation does not affect the legitimacy or smooth running of this session.
“In this regard, the administration of the state government should continue to function as usual to ensure the continuity of orderly governance and that the interests of the people are always safeguarded,” he said in his address at the opening of the first meeting of the fourth session of the 15th legislative assembly.
This was the first time the Negri Ruler had spoken following an attempt by the ruling chieftains to depose him on April 19.
The chieftains had said late on Wednesday that they would be giving the ceremony a miss.
They said their attendance at such an event was also important, as it was part of protocol.
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, 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 had decided to remove the Negri Ruler on the grounds of alleged misconduct, but did not elaborate on the matter.
They had also unanimously decided to name Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar, the Tunku Panglima of Negri Sembilan, as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
Aminuddin has since questioned the legality of the attempt, claiming that Mubarak himself had been removed as Undang on April 17.
He said Mubarak was removed for offences related to customary laws following a meeting between 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.
