Former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun has called for a clear and consistent position from the state leadership amid the ongoing dispute over the legitimacy of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang Dipertuan Besar.
In a video posted on his social media page, Aminuddin directly addressed the state government leadership, saying it could no longer afford to keep changing its position.
“We can no longer afford to remain without a clear stance. Today it is one thing, tomorrow it is another. What is this?
“This is not about running a sundry shop. This is about governing a state.
“There must be a clear position. There’s no need to feel pressurised. Don’t fear man. Fear being dishonest before Allah.”
Shifting positions over Tuanku Muhriz
Aminuddin’s remarks came amid changing positions within the current administration over Tuanku Muhriz’s removal.
On Sept 9, his successor, Ismail Lasim, said he had signed the Aug 3 proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz under duress. He described the document as invalid, unconstitutional and unenforceable, and also lodged a police report over it.
Ismail then said on Sept 15 that he did not have unilateral power to remove or declare vacant the position of the Yang Dipertuan Besar.
However, members of the Negeri Sembilan executive council issued a statement the following day affirming that Tuanku Muhriz’s removal in April was legitimate and that Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar was the new ruler of Negeri Sembilan.
On Sept 17, Ismail confirmed that the exco had unanimously endorsed the proclamation at its Sept 15 meeting and instructed the state secretary to proceed with its gazettement.
Dispute over legal effect
The Dewan Keadilan dan Undang Negeri Sembilan separately said the exco’s decision had no legal effect and maintained that Tuanku Muhriz remained the legitimate Yang Dipertuan Besar.
The council said the state executive council had no jurisdiction to determine the ruler’s position and that the matter was before the High Court.
Meanwhile, lawyers representing Tuanku Muhriz accused the state government of staging a coup by declaring the ruler’s removal. They said the Sept 16 statement breached interim injunctive orders issued by the High Court on June 5.
