Negeri Sembilan PKR has demanded an explanation from menteri besar Ismail Lasim over the postponement of the state assembly meeting and his dispute with the state ruler.
PKR communications director Shariman Che Deris said the two developments had raised questions about the state government’s transparency, accountability and handling of conflicts.
PKR questions assembly postponement
Shariman said the state assembly meeting, which was scheduled to begin yesterday, had been postponed without proper notice to opposition assemblymen.
He also questioned the reason given for the postponement, saying the two months available should have been sufficient for Ismail and government assemblymen to prepare for the sitting.
“The state assembly does not belong to any individual or political party. It is a democratic institution that carries the people’s mandate,” he said in a statement today.
Shariman said postponing the meeting without prior notice showed a lack of respect for democratic institutions, elected representatives and the public’s right to representation through debate and checks and balances.
PKR seeks clarification over royal dispute
Shariman also called on Ismail to explain issues arising from his interaction with the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
Tuanku Muhriz reprimanded Ismail after Friday prayers in Kuala Pilah yesterday, with the menteri besar responding with the traditional “angkat sembah” gesture.
The confrontation comes amid a constitutional crisis that began in April, when four people claiming to be undangs, or traditional chieftains, announced the purported removal of Tuanku Muhriz as ruler and proclaimed Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the new Yang Dipertuan Besar.
Last month, Ismail endorsed a statement issued by his executive council that purportedly affirmed Tuanku Muhriz’s removal as head of state. Tuanku Muhriz subsequently revoked the appointments of the entire executive council.
Shariman identified three matters requiring clarification: a proclamation letter dated April 19 that Ismail signed on Aug 3, a day after taking his oath of office before Tuanku Muhriz; Ismail’s rejection of the ruler’s decision to withdraw his consent to the appointment of 10 executive council members; and a letter to the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal claiming that Tuanku Muhriz was no longer the Yang Dipertuan Besar.
Call for accountability and public confidence
Shariman said the issues raised questions about Ismail’s handling of the relationship between the state administration and the royal institution.
He stressed that the criticism was not intended to undermine any institution, but to ensure that those entrusted with responsibility acted with integrity and maintained public confidence in the state’s system of government.
“Negeri Sembilan needs leadership that can resolve problems, not allow questions to linger,” he said.
“When trust is called into question, explanations must be provided. When public confidence is undermined, efforts to restore it must begin with honesty and accountability.”
