KUALA LUMPUR: The Negri Sembilan’s constitutional crisis should be resolved by the people in the state, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (pic).
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said all parties must respect state and federal laws, as both have their own respective constitutions.
“This is a state matter. Under our Constitution, there are the Federal List, State List and Concurrent List, where it has been set out.
“We have to respect the state. It has its own laws and its own constitution,” she told reporters when met at an anti-bullying Act literacy programme at the Royal Military College yesterday.
Azalina was responding to a statement by 10 former presidents of the Malaysian Bar, calling on the Federal Government to step in and resolve the constitutional issues surrounding the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
On Tuesday, the Undang of Johol, three other Undang whose positions remain in dispute, and the Tunku Besar of Tampin reminded all parties, including the Prime Minister and Attorney General, not to interfere in the administrative affairs of the state.
They said it was their customary prerogative to choose or depose the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, as enshrined under Articles 7, 10 and 11 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negri Sembilan 1959 (UUTKNS 1959).
Azalina said Negri Sembilan’s customs were unique, and it would be unfair for those from outside the state to comment on matters they did not fully understand.
Meanwhile, the minister said bullying must not be regarded as a tradition, form of discipline or symbol of leadership.
She said that while the government’s goal was to eradicate bullying, a zero figure did not necessarily mean harassment was absent, as victims might be too afraid to report it.
“That is why we established the Anti-Bullying Tribunal. Our approach is not merely about punishment, but more importantly, we want to rehabilitate victims, guide perpetrators and ensure every complaint is dealt with quickly and effectively.”
Azalina urged students not to regard bullying as part of the process of becoming stronger.
