Anwar: Negeri Sembilan MB and executive council’s bid to remove ruler was ‘rude and uncivilised’

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed strong disapproval over the bid by the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar and his executive council to remove Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz. In a train journey from Shanghai to Hangzhou, Anwar deemed the actions of the state officials as "rude and uncivilised." He firmly stated that no state-level authority has the right to question or alter the position of the Ruler.

The crisis in Negeri Sembilan has become more intricate, with Datuk Ismail Lasim earlier reporting that the decision to remove Tuanku Muhriz had been unanimously approved by the executive council. Anwar emphasized that the federal government is not mediating in the situation and clarified that removing a Ruler is a complicated matter.

Following a recent meeting with Tuanku Muhriz, Anwar pointed out that customary laws have the authority to determine the Ruler's position, but their decisions are not final and must adhere to established procedures. The Prime Minister reiterated his respect for the customary laws, yet stressed that safeguarding national institutions and security remains the responsibility of the federal government.

He emphasized that conflicting opinions among the customary laws must be resolved before any decision can be deemed valid, as any decision made by a properly appointed customary law authority would be beyond the reach of the federal government.