AG says Negeri Sembilan state secretary and legal adviser remain in office, must continue duties

Senior lawyer Rosli Dahlan has cast doubt on the legality of the Negeri Sembilan state executive council's decision to suspend the state secretary and legal adviser, following the removal of all exco members on Sunday. According to Article 38(5) of the state constitution, exco members other than the chief minister hold office at the discretion of the Yang Dipertuan Besar. Rosli Dahlan contends that this raises questions about the legitimacy of the state exco's announcement.

The chief minister, Ismail Lasim, had previously challenged the ruler's decision, stating that the ruler cannot remove an exco member unless advised or requested by the chief minister. The chief minister later announced that the exco had collectively chosen to suspend Zafir Ibrahim and Muzalmah Mustapha Kamal from their roles as state secretary and state legal adviser, effective immediately.

This suspension came after the state administration declined to proceed with the chief minister's request to officially declare the removal of Tuanku Muhriz as Yang Dipertuan Besar. The state secretary's office stated it would not comply with Ismail's request, having accepted the Attorney-General's Chambers' view that the April 19 proclamation was invalid due to non-compliance with Article 10 requirements of the state constitution.

The Attorney-General's Chambers also affirmed that the exco lacks legal authority to suspend the state secretary and legal adviser, as such matters fall under the purview of federal commissions.