SHANGHAI: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has criticised the Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ismail Lasim and his state excos over moves involving the institution of the Malay Rulers, calling them uncivilised and disrespectful.
The Prime Minister said differences of opinion and disputes were acceptable, provided they were channelled through the proper avenues.
“And what I find most unreasonable is that the Mentri Besar and exco made the decision. This is an uncivilised and disrespectful move and I strongly object to it,” Anwar told Malaysian media while travelling by high-speed train to Hangzhou to continue his three-day working visit to China.
“I cannot imagine a Malay leader bringing a motion to remove a Malay Ruler. I cannot accept that at all.”
As for the Federal Government, Anwar said it would abide by the Constitution in matters concerning jurisdiction.
“If you tarnish and violate the constitution, we will defend it. If I lead this country, I want to ensure that the Constitution is respected.
“I want to ensure there is no disrespect, including questioning the position of the Ruler,” said Anwar, Bernama reported.
Ismail had previously confirmed that the proclamation to remove Tuanku Muhriz as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan was decided and unanimously endorsed by the state exco.
The controversy has resulted in a constitutional impasse over the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
On Sept 17, Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) secretary Raja Norazli Raja Nordin said Tuanku Muhriz remains the legitimate Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan.
On Sept 22, the state constitutional stand-off worsened after the state government suspended state secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim and legal adviser Datuk Muzalmah Mustapha Kamal.
Ismail said state financial officer Datuk Masri Razali would perform the duties of the state secretary until a new one is appointed by the Chief Secretary to the Government.
However, the Attorney General Chambers said the state exco has no power to suspend the state secretary and the legal adviser.
The AGC also said the appointment of a new state legal adviser must be in accordance with state laws, appointed by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission and the person must also be a member of the Judicial and Legal Service.
