PUCHONG: Reaffirming Putrajaya’s support for Negri Sembilan Ruler, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, the Prime Minister has warned that any attempt to pressure or intimidate the monarchy could jeopardise national security and public order.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said any challenge to the constitutional monarchy must be addressed through lawful channels and not through pressure or intimidation.
He said the Federal Government would continue to stand behind Tuanku Muhriz and the state administration amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the constitutional dispute.
“Threatening or forcing a Ruler to act would have a very negative impact on the country and its security,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Meranti.
He pointed out that Rulers are bound by established laws, customs and constitutional procedures.
“While we are not directly involved, we, as the Federal Government, must provide guidance, particularly to the Malay community and Malaysians in general.
“The monarchy is not just a name; it carries dignity, conventions and rules. Therefore, we will continue to uphold the position, dignity and sovereignty of the Rulers,” he said.
Anwar said he had conveyed his views to Tuanku Muhriz and maintained that all parties should continue to respect constitutional mechanisms in addressing the matter.
Asked on the move by Negri Sembilan’s Undang and Tunku Besar Tampin to proclaim Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Anwar said it had not affected the image or standing of the state Ruler.
He reiterated that the Federal Government continues to recognise Tuanku Muhriz as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, and urged parties with differing views to pursue them through legitimate constitutional channels without causing public anxiety or disrupting the administration of the state.
On another matter, the Prime Minister said he supported Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun’s decision to dissolve the state assembly and return the mandate to the people through an election, citing the need to resolve political uncertainty.
“I fully support the Mentri Besar’s view that, given the confusion and lack of clarity, it is best to hold an election, and Tuanku Muhriz has also given his consent,” he said.
“For us, we move forward while continuing to work with Tuanku Muhriz as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. Any other course of action must be pursued through proper channels.”
On Thursday, Aminuddin announced that the 36-seat Negri Sembilan state assembly was officially dissolved to pave the way for the 16th state election.
Talk of the dissolution of the assembly had been making the rounds since early this week, especially after the Mentri Besar had two separate audiences with Tuanku Muhriz on Wednesday.
