SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan executive council’s recognition of a proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as Yang di-Pertuan Besar has tarnished the royal institution, says DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.
Loke, who is also Seremban MP, said the decision by all state executive councillors to recognise the proclamation and a successor with immediate effect was legally unfounded.
He questioned the authority of the state executive council to make such a decision, saying an exco decision could not override the Negri Sembilan Constitution or decisions of the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU).
“The Yang di-Pertuan Besar cannot be removed arbitrarily without a lawful process under the Laws of the Constitution of Negri Sembilan,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Sept 17).
Loke said the exco’s announcement had created confusion, disrupted the administration of the state and tarnished the dignity of the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
He said it was particularly concerning that most of the exco members had only recently been appointed, with some having never attended a state assembly sitting as exco members.
“They should first examine and understand the relevant laws and their respective authority before making statements concerning the position of the state Ruler,” he said.
Loke also pointed out that all the exco members had taken their oaths of office before Tuanku Muhriz in early August.
“If they no longer recognise him as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, then on the principle of honour and integrity, they should resign from their respective positions,” he said.
His statement came a day after the state exco said the April 19 proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz was valid and recognised Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the new Yang di-Pertuan Besar with immediate effect.
However, the DKU has rejected the exco's position, saying the council has no jurisdiction to determine the validity of the proclamation or the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
The DKU said on Thursday that Tuanku Muhriz remained the legitimate Yang di-Pertuan Besar and that the exco's decision had no legal effect.
Former Negri Sembilan mentri besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has likewise said the exco has no authority to decide on the Ruler's position, citing the state Constitution.
Loke said DAP remained committed to the principles of parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy.
“The rule of law and the dignity of the royal institution must be defended and must not be manipulated for any political or personal interests,” he said.
