SEREMBAN: Two ruling chieftains of Negri Sembilan have declared that a proclamation purportedly signed by Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim to remove state Ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir is legally unenforceable.
The Undang of Sungai Ujong, Muhammad Faris Johair Meor Ngah, and the Undang of Rembau, Hassan Ab Hamid, stated that the proclamation was invalid; along with an April 19 declaration, as they contradict the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.
Muhammad Faris added that during a meeting at Istana Besar Seri Menanti on July 31, the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) formally ruled that the April 19 declaration attempting to depose Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar was void.
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"Also, it should be noted that three of the four ruling chiefs who attempted to depose Tuanku Muhriz held absolutely no authority as ruling chiefs of the state, as they had been stripped of their customary titles according to their respective clan customs," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 9).
He said any decision on Tuanku Muhriz's position can only be made by the four serving Undang.
Hassan, meanwhile, said Tuanku Muhriz's position was valid, absolute and unassailable by any document, press conference, or unilateral claim.
"There is no room for doubt. There is no room for interpretation. That is the definitive stance of Luak Rembau," he said in a statement.
He said based on records, Tuanku Muhriz was never subjected to an investigative process, formally charged, or granted a proper avenue to respond and defend his position as provided for under the state law.
Hassan said the right to be heard, compliance with the rule of law, and the principles of natural justice must never be cast aside.
He said the former Undang of Rembau, Abdul Rahim Yasin, also had no right to represent Luak Rembau as he no longer held the position.
"He neither has the mandate nor capacity to represent Rembau.
"As such, any action or agreement made by him in the name of the Undang of Luak Rembau is invalid and not binding upon Luak Rembau," he said.
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On Tuesday (Sept 8) night, the former Undang of Jelebu, Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, shared copies of a document purportedly signed by Ismail on Tuanku Muhriz's removal as state Ruler.
Maarof claimed Ismail had signed the proclamation during a meeting with several others, including former ruling chiefs, at Istana Laguna Biru on Aug 3.
He then urged the State Secretary and the administration to abide by the proclamation on Tuanku Muhriz's removal.
He said the ruling chiefs had, during a meeting on April 19, appointed Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'afar as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
Also present at Tuesday's press conference were Rahim and the Undang of Johol, Datuk Mohammed Abdullah.
Both Maarof and Rahim are challenging their own removal as Undang.
On Sunday (Sept 6), Ismail pledged his loyalty to state Ruler Tuanku Muhriz, emphasising that he remains focused on carrying out his duties for the benefit of the people and Negri Sembilan.
In a statement, Ismail said he was aware of a media statement issued by the "Undang Yang Empat" on Saturday (Sept 5), but he and his administration remained loyal to and firmly supported Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
When met early Wednesday, Ismail declined to comment on the proclamation document on the removal of Tuanku Muhriz which he allegedly signed on Aug 3.
