Negri Sembilan constitution cannot be overridden by administrative decision

Negri Sembilan's chief minister and state executive council cannot override the state constitution or validate a proclamation made on April 19 through an administrative decision, according to Undang of Luak Rembau Hassan Ab Hamid. The proclamation, which purportedly removed the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, and selected a successor, must be handled in accordance with the Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negri Sembilan 1959.

Hassan emphasized that an issue of this magnitude cannot be determined solely through an administrative decision or a media statement. The key question is whether the power to remove or select a Yang di-Pertuan Besar was exercised in full compliance with the procedures outlined in the Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negri Sembilan 1959.

He also noted that the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) had determined that the proclamation was invalid, citing the failure to conduct a full inquiry and the lack of notice or opportunity for Tuanku Muhriz to be heard. The DKU's advice on matters of Malay custom is final and cannot be challenged in court. Hassan disputed the MMK's assertion that the proclamation had been signed by a valid Undang, noting that three of the four signatories no longer held their positions according to Luak customs.

The issue cannot be resolved simply by stating that the chief minister's signature makes the proclamation perfect, Hassan added.