Utamakan kepentingan Negeri Sembilan

The people of Negeri Sembilan have made their decision through the constitutional right to vote in the ballot. This clearly mandates the state leadership, which must be respected by all parties - political figures, traditional leaders, and the entire populace. Following the announcement of the election results, the winning coalition exhibited wisdom and commendable leadership.

Adhering to the spirit and conduct of State Constitution 1959 and Federal Constitution, the governing party acted in harmony with the legal framework. Under Article 71 and Schedule Eight of the Federal Constitution, the formation of the state chief minister requires the consideration and approval of the Yang Di Pertuan Besar. Adherence to this constitutional protocol has facilitated the smooth installation and oath-taking of the chief minister, ensuring continued governance and political stability.

Recognizing this smooth transition of power, praise is due to the previous state government led by a former chief minister, as well as the current federal government under the leadership of the Prime Minister, for their strong commitment during the crisis. Their principled stand behind the Yang Di Pertuan Besar, upholding the integrity of the institution and refusing to bow to pressure that violates constitutional norms, successfully restored the mandate to the people via democratic elections.

The synergy among federal administration, state executive, and royal institutions has maintained constitutional order for the best interest of Negeri Sembilan. The significance and historical depth of this outcome lies in Negeri Sembilan's standing as an important and harmonious state within the Malaysian Federation. The resolution of this crisis proves that Adat Perpatih, the traditional mechanism of governance, and Federal Constitution are not contradictory, but rather move in tandem to preserve regional stability within the Malaysian Federation.

Parallel to the progress of democracy, important advancements are also achieved within our traditional framework. The Legal and Justice Council (DKU) - as the highest authority of both the constitutional and traditional mechanisms in the state - has officially recognized the appointment of the newly appointed Undang Sungei Ujong and Undang Rembau.

Furthermore, following the consent of relevant constituencies and the commitment of the Luak, DKU has formalized the removal of the former Undang Jelebu. These institutional steps reflect the steady progress of Adat Perpatih within the framework of modern law. This adat resolution stands in harmony with the civil court. The High Court's injunction prohibiting any unsanctioned proceedings and the recognition of illegality to Perak 16(3), which limits judicial intervention in matters of adat, clearly establishes a boundary: adat matters must be resolved through a duly constituted constitutional body, not through extrajudicial movements.

Claims of insufficient quorum in the highest adat forum are baseless from both legal and adat perspectives. Under our framework, quorum is determined by the presence of validly filled adat seats through the consent of the Luak and DKU's recognition - not by the physical presence or obstruction of any unruly individual. A vacant seat cannot be forfeited by individual stubbornness, and a vacancy should never impede the progress of the adat.

Moreover, court proceedings that are currently underway serve as a stern reminder that actions undermining judicial orders and discrediting the constitutional order carry severe legal implications. Anyone who violates their fiduciary duty or attempts to use shortcuts outside the constitutional framework must bear legal responsibility.

With these significant achievements, the people of Negeri Sembilan set high hopes that the state will finally close this chapter once and for all. The common hope is to move forward, allowing the state government, royal institution, and adat councils to fully focus on socio-economic development, economic progress, and the well-being of the people.

However, regrettably, as peace settles in, the politically significant rift threatens to reignite unnecessary tensions. Some political figures, seemingly driven by personal dissatisfaction or loss of relevance, continue to meddle in the internal affairs of the state and adat. Their interference risks undermining ongoing judicial proceedings and damaging the harmony of the state.

The message to such political figures must be conveyed clearly and firmly: refrain from interfering with adat and royal affairs. If any former Undang - likened to a ticking time bomb - or any individual feeling aggrieved by removal or institutional decisions, they should raise any grievances through the proper legal channels. The harsh but truthful assessment of leadership must also be acknowledged in relation to the role of adat itself.

The actions of Undang Johol, who disregarded the spirit of consensus, flouted formal protocols, and actively interfered outside the constitutional framework, constitute a clear defiance and blatant violation of fiduciary duty to the adat institution. Under Adat Perpatih, an Undang should be a pillar.