Conference of Rulers asked to scrutinise Negri Ruler's removal, Undang Luak dismissals

The Conference of Rulers has been asked to review and provide guidance on the circumstances surrounding the removal of the ruler of Negeri Sembilan and the dismissal of certain Undang Luak. The Negri Sembilan Malay Customary Lawyers' Bar (Secretariat) made a joint statement, urging the Conference to consider the entire process, not just the removal of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, but also the dismissal of the Undang Luak.

The secretariat sought the Conference's input to determine if all actions, particularly the removal and succession of the ruler and the Undang Luak, were carried out in line with the Negri Sembilan Constitution (UUTKNS) of 1959 and the rule of law. The secretariat emphasized that the request for advice should not be seen as a move to assume the functions of state authorities under the UUTKNS 1959.

Instead, the Conference would review the matter, offer advice, and ensure the process adhered to the law. The secretariat, through lawyers Emirul Sarifudin Nor Azmi, Asmawi Ismail, and Deidra Nur Azmi, stressed that the issue was not just about the Yang di-Pertuan Besar but also included the dismissal of the Undang Luak Sungei Ujong and others.

The secretariat reiterated that any defense of the Rulers' institution should be non-discriminatory, treating both the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Undang Luak equally. The Conference of Rulers plays a pivotal role in the country's governance when issues concerning the Rulers' position, privileges, and dignity arise. The assessment of the crisis must consider the entire sequence of events, from the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) meeting on March 5 to the final decisions on April 19.

Each stage of this process is crucial and needs to be examined sequentially, rather than in isolation.