N Sembilan MB says exco members locked out of offices

On September 24, Negeri Sembilan's Menteri Besar, Datuk Ismail Lasim, announced that state executive councillors (exco) have been barred from entering their offices at Wisma Negeri. The Menteri Besar demanded an immediate review of this directive, citing the ongoing dispute and the need to prevent disruption of state administration and public affairs.

Ismail, who is also the Juasseh assemblyman, stated that the exco members were not only forbidden from entering their respective offices but also prevented from fulfilling their duties as exco members. He received information about this restraining order or directive from the palace, which revoked the exco appointments with immediate effect on September 15 due to breaches of their oath of office.

The Menteri Besar said the directive was conveyed verbally and urged authorities to review it, taking into account the dispute and the necessity of maintaining state governance. He emphasized that the request would not hinder security efforts. Ismail, while asserting that the existing exco members remain legitimate, urged all parties to allow the state government and legal process to resolve the issue.

He stressed that preventing exco members from entering their offices or holding meetings could infringe upon citizens' rights, as many decisions pertain to the public's interests. Ismail also mentioned never being consulted regarding the termination of any exco member under Article 38(5) of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution, reiterating the legitimacy of the existing exco members.