PUTRAJAYA: The removal of a state Ruler must be treated with due seriousness, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said this was why the Negri Sembilan government, particularly Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim, must not be swayed by any political pressure.
“This concerns the removal and deposing of the Ruler, which is not a small matter.
“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 now is that the position of the Ruler remains unaffected. We pray the Ruler will be able to reside at the palace and carry out his duties well,” he said.
“I hope that the state government, particularly the Mentri Besar, will stand firm, without yielding to political pressure, because the issue concerns constitutional monarchy.
“We, particularly the Malays, must set a good example,” he said after performing Friday prayers here yesterday.
On Thursday, 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).
