PUTRAJAYA: Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim should take a firmer position and not be swayed by political pressure over the issue involving the state’s Ruler, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the issue concerned the constitutional monarchy, which Malays, in particular, must uphold and safeguard.
“This concerns the removal and deposing of the Ruler, which is not a small matter.
“I hope that the state government, particularly the Mentri Besar, will take a firmer position, without making excuses or yielding to political pressure because this concerns constitutional monarchy.
“We, particularly the Malays, must set a good example. If we truly uphold the Constitution and understand the principles upon which this country is founded, with the Malays as its majority, we must safeguard this harmony,” he said after performing Friday prayers here on Friday (Sept 18).
On Thursday (Sept 17), the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) said the Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar and the state executive council have no unilateral power to depose or vacate the office of Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
The AGC said the validity and legal effect of such a proclamation must instead be determined through the constitutional and legal processes provided under the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 (UUTKNS 1959).
Anwar said that simplifying the issue could create many problems.
“I do not reject the legal principles applicable in Negri Sembilan, the customs and the system of the Ruler and the Undang, but we must ensure that the rules are fully complied with and that the proper procedures are followed.
“What is important to us now is that the position of the Ruler remains unaffected, and we pray that the Ruler will be able to reside at the palace and carry out his duties well,” he said.
He added that should there be any proposals from the Undang or otherwise, the proper processes and procedures must be followed in full.
“Follow the process, and we will not interfere beyond that,” he said.
