SEREMBAN: A proclamation purportedly signed by Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim to remove state Ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir is legally unenforceable, according to two ruling chieftains in Negri Sembilan.
The Undang of Sungai Ujong, Muhammad Faris Johair Meor Ngah, and the Undang of Rembau, Hassan Ab Hamid, said the proclamation was invalid as it contradicted the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.
The proclamation purportedly endorses an April 19 declaration initially signed by four ruling chieftains. Three of them have been removed, with two positions (Sungai Ujong and Rembau) filled with new faces.
Muhammad Faris, one of the new appointees, said that during a meeting at Istana Besar Seri Menanti on July 31, the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang had formally ruled that the April 19 declaration attempting to depose Tuanku Muhriz as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan was void.
“Three of the ruling chiefs held no authority, as they had been stripped of their customary titles according to their respective clan customs,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He said any decision on Tuanku Muhriz’s position could only be made by the four serving Undang.
In a separate statement, Hassan said Tuanku Muhriz’s position is valid, absolute and unassailable by any document, press conference or unilateral claim.
“There is no room for doubt or interpretation. That is the definitive stance of Luak Rembau,” he said.
Hassan said that based on records, Tuanku Muhriz was never subjected to an investigative process, formally charged or given a proper avenue to respond and defend his position as provided under state law.
He said the right to be heard, compliance with the rule of law and the principles of natural justice must never be cast aside.
Hassan said the former Undang of Rembau, Abdul Rahim Yasin, also had no right to represent Luak Rembau.
“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 added.
On Tuesday night, the former Undang of Jelebu, Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, shared copies of a document on the removal of Tuanku Muhriz as state Ruler, purportedly signed by Ismail.
He claimed that Ismail had signed the proclamation during a meeting with several other people, including former ruling chiefs, at Istana Laguna Biru on Aug 3.
He urged the state secretary and the administration to abide by the proclamation.
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.
He was speaking at a press conference also attended by the former Undang of Johol, Datuk Mohammed Abdullah, and Abdul Rahim, both of whom are challenging their own removals as Undang.
