Pertikaian di N Sembilan satu krisis perlembagaan, kata pakar

Legal experts have stated that the conflict in Negeri Sembilan represents a constitutional crisis, necessitating a special meeting of the Council of Rulers to propose a solution. Lawyer Bastian Pius Vendargon linked the crisis to the failure of the state system to provide clear solutions, citing the differing decisions made by the Yang Di Pertuan Besar, the Chief Minister, and the State Assembly.

Aziz Bari, another constitutional expert, noted that all parties involved seem to be relying on the provisions of the state's constitution to protect their own interests. While the Constitutional Court usually has the final say, it lacks the power to enforce its decisions, making it merely a power to issue declarations without judicial impact.

On September 17, the State Law and Order Supreme Court (AGC) rejected a memorandum to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as Yang Di Pertuan Besar, and a subsequent announcement from the State Assembly supporting the memorandum. The AGC declared the memorandum invalid, and the State Secretary's Office announced that it would not publish or enforce the memorandum.

On September 20, Tuanku Muhriz annulled the appointment of ten members of the State Assembly, citing their violation of their oath. The following day, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was allowed to visit. Aziz Bari suggested that the Council of Rulers hold a special meeting to resolve the conflict, warning that constitutional crises touch upon matters of great importance to the paramount institution.

He stated that the institution of the State serves as a stabilizing force, and when institutions conflict, it becomes a pawn in a game of chess. The Council of Rulers is the most suitable body to propose a solution, according to Aziz. Vendargon also mentioned that the Federal Court could provide a solution, as Article 34(3) of the Negeri Sembilan State Constitution allows the matter to be referred to the highest court for a decision.

He proposed using this mechanism to resolve the crisis through judicial intervention, with the reference to the Federal Court under Article 34(3) meaning a reference to the Federal Court, not the Federal Court of Malaysia.