BUTTERWORTH: Police will record statements from current and former Negri Sembilan executive council members as part of investigations into several reports lodged over the dispute involving the state’s royal institution.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said police had received numerous reports from various parties and would question those directly involved, including individuals connected to the Undang and Mentri Besar.
"These include current and former exco members, as well as those involved in matters concerning the Undang, Mentri Besar and others," he told reporters before launching the Whitening The Black Spot programme at the PICCA Convention Centre on Sunday (Sept 27).
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Mohd Khalid said police would complete their investigation papers before submitting them to the Attorney General's Chambers for further action.
He said police would conduct the investigations, while the decision on whether to bring charges rested with the Attorney General.
"We have yet to look at the matter comprehensively," he said. "Some cases may involve the Sedition Act, while others may involve other offences. It requires careful examination by all parties, particularly the Attorney General's Chambers."
Mohd Khalid said police had already recorded statements from one or two individuals who could be witnesses and would continue calling those involved.
Asked whether exco members would begin giving statements on Sunday, he said this had not yet started.
"We have not called them yet," he said.
"Previously, there were several investigation papers and we had called one or two people who may be witnesses. Following that, we will conduct further investigations, especially by recording statements from those involved. Hopefully, this may begin on Monday (Sept 28) or Tuesday (Sept 29)."
On the security situation in Negri Sembilan amid the royal dispute, Mohd Khalid said it remained under control.
"Everything is good and under control," he said.
"It appears that the people understand the situation and are giving their best cooperation. We will try to maintain this situation for the safety of the community and people of Negri Sembilan."
Previously, a group of the state’s four traditional chiefs, known as the Undang Yang Empat, had declared Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir removed as Yang di-Pertuan Besar on April 19 and named Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as his successor.
Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim signed the proclamation on Aug 3, a day after he was sworn in, but later said he had signed it under duress, a claim disputed by the Undang.
The validity of the proclamation and the process used to remove Tuanku Muhriz remain disputed, with police investigating several reports.
