Exco statement on Negeri Sembilan ruler has no legal effect, says AGC

PetaJaya: The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) declared that a proclamation by four purported undangs regarding Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir's removal does not have legal effect as it fails to meet the necessary criteria outlined in Article 10 of the Negeri Sembilan constitution. The AGC emphasized that while the undangs possess the authority to remove the Yang Dipertuan Besar, the proclamation did not adhere to the stipulated procedures.

The composition of the four undangs was considered incomplete at the time due to the removal of some undangs based on customary laws of their respective luaks. Contradictory claims emerged, with the exco members asserting the legitimacy of Tuanku Muhriz's removal and declaring Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'afar as the new ruler. Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim also endorsed this statement, stating that the decision was unanimous during the exco meeting.

The Negeri Sembilan Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) disputed the exco's decision, maintaining that Tuanku Muhriz remains the Yang Dipertuan Besar and holds the final authority in matters of state ruler's appointment or removal. Under Article 16(3) of the Negeri Sembilan state constitution, the DKU's advisory opinion on such matters is deemed final and cannot be contested in any court.