DAP vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan has challenged PAS to clearly state its position on the constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan.
Syahredzan questioned whether PAS’ central leadership supported the menteri besar and the former executive council’s attempt to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.
In a statement, he pointed out that one of the executive council members whose appointment was revoked by the ruler was from PAS.
Syahredzan demands clear PAS position
‘What is PAS’ stand on the decision made by the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan? Don’t be evasive or only drop hints. State PAS’ stand clearly about what has happened to their assemblyman,’ he said.
‘More importantly, Malaysians want to know the extent of PAS’ involvement in the Negeri Sembilan crisis.’
He said DAP and Pakatan Harapan’s positions on the crisis were clear.
Syahredzan, who is the Bangi MP, was responding to PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, who had earlier questioned whether DAP would accept executive council members in other states being removed from their posts by the ruler without the state government’s approval.
Fadhli said the constitutions of other states also provide that executive council members hold their positions ‘at the pleasure’ of the ruler.
Legal challenge questioned
Syahredzan asked whether Fadhli planned to take legal action to challenge Tuanku Muhriz’s decision to dismiss the Negeri Sembilan executive council members, since the PAS leader appeared to oppose the ruler’s decision.
The Negeri Sembilan royal crisis began in April following a proclamation by four ‘undangs’, some of whose positions are disputed, purporting to remove Tuanku Muhriz as ruler.
Last month, the Negeri Sembilan executive council issued a statement claiming that the ruler’s removal was legitimate, with menteri besar Ismail Lasim endorsing the statement a day later.
This was despite Ismail stating in August that he supported Tuanku Muhriz remaining as Yang Dipertuan Besar.
Exco members dismissed
The Attorney-General’s Chambers and the state’s royal court, known as the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang, subsequently said the executive council’s statement had no legal effect and that Tuanku Muhriz remained the rightful ruler.
Tuanku Muhriz subsequently dismissed all 10 Negeri Sembilan executive council members.
The palace said their appointments were ‘at the pleasure of the ruler’ in accordance with the state constitution.
