SEPANG: Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir has thanked supporters who came in a show of support following developments in Negri Sembilan.
The state Ruler said strong support from the rakyat encouraged him to return to resolve the crisis.
“Thank you for your support. I am returning to the palace. Where else can I go to?
“I am back to resolve this matter, Insyallah. Thank you everyone,” said Tuanku Muhriz when addressing the crowd of some 200 supporters present at the KL International Airport 1 on Thursday (Sept 17).
Tuanku Muhriz, who arrived at about 10.30pm, was greeted with cheers of "Daulat Tuanku" upon exiting the VIP lounge.
Tuanku Muhriz, together with Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz and Tunku Panglima Besar of Negri Sembilan Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin, were then accompanied by supporters as they exited the complex.
As he entered the vehicle, Tuanku Muhriz then waved to the crowds present through the vehicle’s rolled-down windows.
This comes following the escalating dispute over the position of the Negri Sembilan Ruler.
In a statement purportedly issued by the state executive council (exco) on Wednesday (Sept 16), the members had stated that Tuanku Muhriz's removal as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan in April was legitimate.
The exco added that Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'afar was now the new ruler of Negri Sembilan.
Earlier on Thursday, Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim verified the contents of the statement.
He said the state secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim has been directed to gazette the decision based on existing rules.
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, former mentri besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the current state government had publicly stated that the proclamation document did not satisfy the processes and procedures stipulated under the state laws.
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.
