KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he has met with Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, who decreed that the state government continue as is, with Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun in charge for now.
The Prime Minister also said that “a dissolution” of the Negri state assembly is not in the picture.
He called on all Negri state reps to abide by the royal decree as it is not the time for hasty decisions that will cause political instability and punish the people.
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The Prime Minister said the meeting took place on Monday (April 27) night to discuss the current crisis affecting the state government after 14 Umno state representatives pulled their support from Aminuddin.
He spoke to the media after officiating at the project launch of UCSI University’s campus expansion here Tuesday (April 28).
Anwar also said that the “simple majority” cooperation announced by 14 Barisan Nasional and five Perikatan Nasional state reps does not hold water for now.
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“The request from Tuanku Muhriz was for Aminuddin to continue as the MB for now for the sake of the people’s welfare and the state’s interests.
“The MB has agreed and will continue his duties until the issues over the state constitution are resolved.
“At present, I have asked the Mentri Besar to carry on as usual, and the legal process is not being obstructed. We also do not interfere with the legal process, allowing it to proceed properly without touching on matters involving the monarchy or the Undang, which we respect, and without raising other implications.
“The current problem is not due to the state constitution or the Mentri Besar but more on the interpretation of the state laws which involve the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Undang.
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“This is definitely not under our national jurisdiction. We submit and respect the situation in the state and we hold in esteem the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers. To solve the problem, the Mentri Besar has to abide with the Ruler.
“It is not fair to make a hasty decision to deny (the MB his position) and cause political instability. The only priority for the MB is to safeguard the interests of the state, respect and dignify the institution of the Malay Rulers,” said Anwar.
He further said that the Madani government will preserve the dignity of the royal institution.
“I would like to stress that matters involving the royal institution must be handled wisely and prudently, while preserving the dignity and sanctity of the monarchial system. That is our intention. Hence, we avoid making certain statements and constitutional matters should be resolved according to the rule of law.
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“I emphasise the importance of preserving the position and dignity of the royal institution, as this is a system we have adopted,” said Anwar.
He said that he had not set a specific deadline for the state government to solve the problem.
“I cannot set a specific deadline because it is appropriate to give space for all parties to negotiate properly. Decisions must be made by those who understand the legal system of Negri Sembilan.
"For example, the appointment of the Mentri Besar involves the four Undang; likewise, any resignation would also involve them. So it is not as simple as it may seem.
“That is why, in my view, we must maintain national harmony and focus on facing the current economic challenges and crisis. This is not the time for political infighting,” said Anwar.
On the decision by Barisan representativess to work with Perikatan reps, the Prime Minister said that they should abide by the royal decree.
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“So far, based on the royal decree, I understand that the state government should continue operating as usual until there is a need for any changes.
“I may meet with Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today (April 28). So far, there has been no issue of dissolving (the assembly). From my discussions and based on the advice of His Majesty, the government should continue while other processes proceed according to the law," he said.
On April 27, Negri Sembilan Barisan assemblymen withdrew their support for the state government led by Aminuddin.
State Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said all 14 Umno assemblymen in the state lost confidence in Aminuddin's leadership in relation to the handling of the state royal crisis.
Barisan has 14 seats in the state assembly while Pakatan Harapan has 17 and Perikatan Nasional (five).
The state's royal crisis started on April 19 when the four Undang decided to remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir on grounds of misconduct.
The four are the Undang of Sungei Ujong Datuk Mubarak Dohak, Undang of Jelebu Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, Undang of Johol Datuk Muhammed Abdullah and Undang of Rembau Datuk Abdul Rahim Yasin.
Last night (April 27), Jalaluddin issued a statement claiming that Barisan had obtained a simple majority to form the state government following a decision by Perikatan to support it.
Barisan holds 14 of the state’s 36 state seats while Perikatan has five. Pakatan Harapan has the remaining 17.
