MB’s U-turn on Tuanku Muhriz’s ‘removal’ may prove pivotal, says lawyer

Negeri Sembilan's Chief Minister Ismail Lasim has changed his stance on a proclamation that removed Tuanku Muhriz as ruler, which could become a pivotal issue if it reaches court. A senior lawyer, Rosli Dahlan, warned that Ismail's contradictory statements about the validity of the proclamation may undermine its legal standing. Initially, Ismail claimed to have signed the proclamation "against his will and under duress", stating it was "invalid, unconstitutional and unenforceable".

However, he later affirmed its validity, directing the state secretary to gazette it. Rosli questioned whether the state government could enforce an invalid proclamation and whether Ismail and his executive council could exercise authority legitimately if their appointments were made by an illegitimate ruler. The constitutional crisis began on April 19 when Mubarak Dohak, acting as Undang of Sungei Ujong, proclaimed Tuanku Muhriz removed.

The Chief Minister rejected the proclamation soon after, but changed his mind a week later. The dispute over Tuanku Muhriz's legitimacy as ruler and the legitimacy of new Undangs appointed after the August state election further complicated the situation. The Attorney-General's Chambers ruled the proclamation invalid, citing non-compliance with mandatory requirements under Article 10 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution.

The state secretary's office decided not to enforce the proclamation. Rosli cautioned that the courts might need to decide the constitutional consequences of the conflicting claims, potentially impacting the functioning of the state administration.