Expedite court proceedings to settle Negeri Sembilan royal dispute, says ex-minister Syed Hamid

Former Law Minister Syed Hamid Albar has called for expedited court proceedings to resolve the ongoing Negeri Sembilan royal institution dispute. The lawyer stated that the conflict, involving customary practices, state law, and the Federal Constitution, should be decided through the legal process, rather than through public debate or sentiment.

Syed Hamid noted that when one party claims a right and another party holds the same belief, a dispute naturally arises, and the courts must determine the matter. He spoke to Bernama, expressing that those responsible for overseeing the matter, including the Attorney-General and the government, are within their rights to fulfill their duties; these actions should not be seen as interference unless a court decides otherwise.

Syed Hamid also urged all parties involved to avoid making conflicting public statements, as such statements could worsen public anxiety and make reaching a rational resolution more challenging. He emphasized that Malaysians and observers alike are now confused, and the dispute has transcended being an internal issue between a specific group or state, as it has become a public matter that people want resolved.

Syed Hamid further stated that any decision concerning a person's position or removal from office must adhere to the Constitution and relevant laws.