SEREMBAN: Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has confirmed as true a media statement released by the state exco on the removal of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan.
He said state secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim had been directed to gazette the decision, based on existing rules.
“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.
“The exco has directed the state secretary to proceed with the gazetting process.
“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,” he said.
His stand yesterday seems to be a reversal of what he had said on Tuesday.
Then, he said the Mentri Besar did not have the unilateral power to depose or vacate the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
On Sept 9, Ismail had confirmed signing the proclamation but said he had done 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.
In the press statement issued on Wednesday, the exco members said Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar was now the Yang di-Pertuan Besar in place of Tuanku Muhriz.
