KUALA LUMPUR: Ten former presidents of the Malaysian Bar have called on the Federal Government to step in and resolve the constitutional issues surrounding the position of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
In a joint statement on Monday (Sept 21), they described the recent developments involving Tuanku Muhriz as raising serious concerns over the constitutional monarchy and rule of law.
"We call on the Federal Government to step in and finally resolve these troubling issues. This state of affairs sets a dangerous precedent for the constitutional monarchy and the future of this country - a country that must, at all times, chart its course strictly in accordance with the law.
"Such unbecoming and undignified conduct, as well as such utter disrespect for the law, must stop,” they said.
The 10 lawyers are Datuk Mah Weng Kwai, Datuk Kuthubul Zaman Bukhari, Datuk Yeo Yang Poh, Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, Ragunath Kesavan, Datuk Lim Chee Wee, Christopher Leong, Datuk George Varughese, Salim Bashir and Karen Cheah Yee Lynn.
According to them, the Negri Sembilan state executive council had purportedly removed Tuanku Muhriz without the process required under Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan (UUTKNS) 1959.
They said Article 10 provides for a "complete enquiry by the Undangs” before a Ruler could be removed, and questioned whether such an enquiry had been conducted and whether Tuanku Muhriz had been allowed to be heard.
The lawyers also questioned the validity of a purported proclamation dated April 19, 2026, including the circumstances surrounding its signing by the Mentri Besar on Aug 3.
They said the executive council did not have the constitutional power to unilaterally remove a Ruler and urged all parties to uphold the Federal Constitution and UUTKNS 1959.
The group also referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers’ position that the purported proclamation was invalid and that the Mentri Besar and executive council did not have unilateral power to terminate or vacate the office of the Yang Dipertuan Besar.
They further said the state secretary’s office had declined to proceed with gazetting the purported proclamation.
"We, the undersigned, call for an immediate and complete halt to this assault on the constitutional sovereignty of the Negri Sembilan monarchy and the rule of law.
"We strongly urge the state government of Negri Sembilan, all public officials, and all citizens of Malaysia to faithfully uphold the Federal Constitution and the UUTKNS 1959, preserve the rule of law, and fully respect the sovereignty and constitutional standing of His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir as the sole, lawful, and reigning Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan,” they said.
The lawyers further said that the executive council was not above the law, and its unlawful conduct in this matter must be curbed.- Bernama
