The power to suspend lies in the authority who has the power to appoint — Hafiz Hassan

On September 23, the Negeri Sembilan government suspended the state secretary and state legal adviser, effective immediately. Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim announced the decision at a special meeting of the State Executive Council. The two positions are appointed under the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959. According to Article 37 of this constitution, they are chosen by the relevant Service Commission from among members of the appropriate public services.

Section 29 of the Eleventh Schedule of the Federal Constitution states that the appointing authority has the power to dismiss or suspend appointed individuals. However, there is no indication that the state secretary and legal adviser's appointments required the approval of any other person or authority. The power to suspend them lies with the appropriate Service Commission, subject to recommendations or approval from the State Government.

Section 47 of the Interpretation Acts further clarifies that the appointing authority can remove, suspend, reappoint, or reinstate any person. This perspective is solely that of the writer and does not represent the views of Malay Mail.