KUALA LUMPUR: The Undang of Johol, three other Undang whose positions are in dispute and the Tunku Besar Tampin maintain that they removed Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan.
In a 12-page statement, the five said they had on April 19 named Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'afar as the successor to Tuanku Muhriz, followed by an official proclamation ceremony on June 5.
The group said the decision was made after what they described as interference by Tuanku Muhriz in the affairs of Luak Sungai Ujong and Luak Rembau, which they said eventually led to the removal of the two chieftains.
The three Undang whose positions are in dispute are the ruling chiefs of Sungai Ujong, Rembau and Jelebu.
The group said the continued dispute over the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar could affect the administration of the state, including proceedings of the Negri Sembilan legislative assembly.
They said the functions of the Ruler concerning the assembly, including its summoning, royal assent and legislative affairs, could be affected if two parties claimed the same authority.
"Many policies, appointments and activities of the state exco cannot be carried out smoothly when the legitimacy of the royal assent and decrees is called into question," they said.
They said prolonged uncertainty could affect the stability of the state, the well-being of the people as well as public and investor confidence.
The group also said the dispute over the succession had affected customary and religious institutions in the state.
They said the decision to declare Tuanku Muhriz removed on April 19 was made after careful consideration.
"We did not make this decision lightly," they said.
The group also called on the Prime Minister and the Attorney General to recognise their position on the state's constitutional arrangement, saying the Ruler of Negri Sembilan comprised not only the Yang di-Pertuan Besar but also the ruling chiefs.
They urged the Federal government to respect what they described as the decision of the ruling chiefs under Articles 10 and 11 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negri Sembilan.
They also called on the State Secretary and state civil servants not to execute any decree, appointment or directive issued by Tuanku Muhriz after April 19.
However, the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) has maintained that Tuanku Muhriz remains the lawful Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan.
The Attorney General's Chambers also said on Sept 17 that the April 19 proclamation was invalid as it did not comply with the mandatory requirements of Article 10 of the state constitution.
The AGC said the validity and effect of the proclamation should be determined through the proper constitutional and legal processes.
The matter is currently before the courts.
