SEREMBAN: Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has verified the contents of a media statement released by the Negri Sembilan state executive council (exco) on the removal of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan.
He said the state secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim has been directed to gazette the decision based on existing rules.
"Today, I would like to confirm that the proclamation was indeed discussed and unanimously decided upon by all members of the state executive council during a meeting on Sept 15.
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"The exco has already directed the state secretary to proceed with the gazetting process in accordance with existing regulations. That is all. Thank you," he told reporters when met at an event here.
Ismail refused to take questions from reporters, adding that he would like to keep the press conference short and simple.
"Short and simple and I will not be taking any questions.
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"You understand? Short and simple and no questions to be asked," he said.
In the press statement issued on Sept 16, the exco members said Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'afar was now the Yang di-Pertuan Besar in place of Tuanku Muhriz.
They said a April 19 proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz under Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negri Sembilan 1959 had been signed and sealed by the lawful Undang, and became complete when Ismail signed it on Aug 3.
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"It is the absolute prerogative of the four Undang to elect and remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan.
"This prerogative is guaranteed by Article 32 and Article 79 of the state laws as well as Article 71 and Article 181 of the Federal Constitution," they said.
They said the decision takes effect immediately.
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They told the state administration to comply with the decision and in line with the decrees of the Undang Yang Empat.
The exco statement came two days after the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) ruled that Tuanku Muhriz remains the lawful ruler and that no vacancy exists.
On Sept 9, Ismail confirmed signing the proclamation but said he did so under duress, and that the state government considered it invalid for not following Article 10.
He lodged a police report on Sept 8 and pledged loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz as the "sole legitimate and sovereign" ruler.
The royal dispute began on April 19, when four Undang declared Tuanku Muhriz deposed and named Tuanku Nadzaruddin as his successor.
The state government under then Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun rejected the declaration.
Tuanku Nadzaruddin was proclaimed ruler at a hotel in Alor Gajah, Melaka on June 5, which the Comptroller of the Royal Household said was invalid.
Ismail was sworn in before Tuanku Muhriz on Aug 2, after Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional formed the state government following the state election.
