SEREMBAN: The Prime Minister's criticism of the Negri Sembilan Exco over the proclamation on the Ruler was based on an incomplete picture of their role, says Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim.
He was responding to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who on Wednesday described the actions of the Mentri Besar and the Exco as insolent and uncivilised.
"I take note of the Prime Minister's statement yesterday describing the actions of myself and the Exco members as insolent and uncivilised.
"I respect the Prime Minister's concern for the Royal Institution. However, I am concerned that the criticism is based on an incomplete picture of the actual role of the Mentri Besar and the Exco," he told a press conference here on Thursday (Sept 24).
Ismail said neither he nor his Exco had decided to remove or appoint the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
He said the state executive council had only discussed the administration's stand on a proclamation presented as a decision of the four Undang.
"The council's agreement on follow-up administrative action does not mean it has taken over the powers of the Undang or become the party deciding on the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar," he said.
Ismail said he and his Exco would not interfere in customary matters and the selection process that fall under the jurisdiction of others under the Laws of the Constitution of Negri Sembilan 1959.
He said questions over the validity of the proclamation, whether procedure was followed and its effect should be determined under the state constitution and the relevant legal process.
"We respect any court order in force," he said.
Ismail added that the state government would continue to act with civility and respect the state's Royal Institution.
On Sept 17, Ismail announced that the Exco had unanimously endorsed a proclamation purportedly removing Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, and instructed the state secretary to gazette it.
The palace later revoked the appointments of the ten Exco members, saying they had breached their oath of office.
Ismail has disputed the revocation, saying he was never consulted and never advised the termination of any Exco member under Article 38(5) of the state constitution.
