SEREMBAN: Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim, who has signed an instrument of proclamation to remove state Ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, said he had been made to do so under duress.
The Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar said he had not voluntarily signed the document.
“Referring to the issue of the instrument of proclamation mentioned in a media statement on Sept 8, I wish to clarify that I signed it involuntarily and under duress.
“I lodged a police report at around 6pm on Sept 8 to enable an investigation to be conducted,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Ismail was referring to a proclamation on the removal of Tuanku Muhriz as state Ruler, which was signed by him.
Copies of the document were shared at a press conference organised by former Undang of Jelebu, Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, on Tuesday.
Ismail said the state government was of the position that the document failed to meet the processes and procedures stipulated under Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negri Sembilan 1959, making it void, unconstitutional and unenforceable.
“The state exco, which met on Sept 8, also discussed, among other matters, the establishment of a peace committee (Jawatankuasa Pendamai) as a platform to find a solution to the customary issue harmoniously, prudently and based on the spirit of consensus,” he said.
Ismail said Article 71 of the Federal Constitution also guarantees the constitutional rights and position of the Ruler.
“The provision states that appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that the dignity and position of Tuanku Muhriz as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan remain protected.
“I again express my full support and unwavering loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz as the one and only legitimate and sovereign Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan,” he added.
On Sept 6, he pledged loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz, emphasising that he remains focused on carrying out his duties for the benefit of the people and the state.
Meanwhile, Negri Sembilan Umno is calling for a swift resolution to the ongoing saga involving the state Ruler, saying the matter should be settled as soon as possible.
“I hope that a resolution can be reached as soon as possible,” said Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias after attending a closed-door meeting with party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Asked if he was aware of any updates on the situation, Jalaluddin said he had learnt about the developments through media reports over the past day or two.
