Negeri Sembilan royal dispute: Rembau Undang says MB sign-off cannot validate flawed proclamation

SEREMBAN, Sept 9 — Rembau Undang Dato’ Sedia Raja Haji Hassan bin Haji Ab. Hamid has stated that the Menteri Besar’s signature cannot validate a proclamation regarding the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan if the process used to create the proclamation was flawed. In his statement, Hassan emphasized that the critical question is not whether the proclamation exists or how many people signed it, but whether the process complies with the Negeri Sembilan Constitution and Adat Perpatih.

Hassan stressed that the royal institution cannot be altered through shortcuts, and a proclamation does not replace the rigorous process outlined in the state constitution. He pointed out that Article 10(1) of the constitution mandates a thorough inquiry before any recommendation for Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir to step down as Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

Hassan questioned whether a comprehensive inquiry occurred, if Tuanku Muhriz was afforded the opportunity to speak, and if the decision-makers possessed the legal authority. He also queried the lawful authority of individuals who supposedly signed the proclamation, specifically within the Undang Yang Empat. In Rembau's case, Hassan contended that Haji Abdul Rahim Yasin was never officially declared the 22nd Undang, while he himself was proclaimed to the position on June 27.

Hassan acknowledged Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim’s assertion that he was compelled to sign the proclamation and later filed a police report, suggesting that the Menteri Besar’s signature alone cannot rectify or hide significant issues in the initial process. He reiterated that until these fundamental questions are answered through appropriate constitutional and legal avenues, no party should treat the change in the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar as lawful and complete.

Hassan urged all parties to uphold the state constitution, Adat Perpatih, the rule of law, and the royal institution's dignity.