Exco members should resign if they no longer recognise Tuanku Muhriz, says Loke

DAP Deputy President Loke Siew Fook has urged all Negeri Sembilan State Council (exco) members to assume their positions if they no longer acknowledge Tuanku Muhriz as Yang Di-Pertuan Besar. Speaking in a statement, Loke emphasized that all exco members were recently sworn in before Tuanku Muhriz following the formation of the new government after the recent PRN elections.

He also questioned the authority of exco to proclaim the abdication of Tuanku Muhriz and appoint a provisional successor. Loke stressed that DAP remains committed to parliamentary democracy and the Raja Berperlembagaan principle, as well as the importance of upholding the law and the institution of the monarchy. On Sunday, Negeri Sembilan exco declared Tuanku Muhriz's abdication on April 19 as valid and acknowledged Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the new Yang Di-Pertuan Besar.

State Chief Minister Ismail Lasim confirmed the decision by a unanimous vote in the exco meeting on Tuesday and requested the state secretary to continue the process of ratifying the proclamation in accordance with the relevant regulations. However, the Negeri Sembilan Law and Justice Committee (DKU) dismissed the exco's decision as having no legal effect, as matters related to the selection, appointment, removal, and punishment of the Yang Di-Pertuan Besar fall within the authority granted to them under Article XVI of the Negeri Sembilan State Government Body Act 1959. DKU also affirmed that Tuanku Muhriz remains the Yang Di-Pertuan Besar.