Don't Bow To Political Pressure, Anwar Tells Negeri Sembilan Govt, MB

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today urged the Negeri Sembilan government and Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim to take a firm stand and not bow to political pressure in handling the controversy surrounding the state’s royal institution.

He stressed that any attempt to remove or depose a Ruler was a serious matter in a country governed by a constitutional monarchy system.

“This is about constitutional monarchy. We Malays, in particular, must set a good example.

“If we truly uphold the Constitution and understand the principles of this country, which is rooted in Malay traditions and has a Malay majority, we must preserve this harmony,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Surau Nur Perdana in Precinct 10 here today.

Yesterday, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) said that the April 19 proclamation concerning the position of Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir was invalid as it failed to comply with the mandatory requirements of Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan (UUTKNS) 1959.

The AGC also said the Menteri Besar and Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council did not have unilateral authority to depose the Yang Dipertuan Besar or declare the position vacant.

Anwar said he had reviewed the AGC’s full statement on the matter.

At the same time, he said he respected the laws and customs governing Negeri Sembilan’s unique system of the Yang Dipertuan Besar and the Undang, but stressed that all stipulated rules and procedures must be fully observed.

“What is important now is that the position of the Yang Dipertuan Besar remains secure. We pray that Tuanku Muhriz will continue to reign and carry out his duties well.

“If there are any proposals from the Undang or others, the proper procedures must be followed in full. Beyond that, we will not interfere,” he said.

-- BERNAMA