Negeri Sembilan MB rejects Anwar’s ‘rude, uncivilised’ claim, says exco acted within role

Negeri Sembilan's Chief Minister, Datuk Ismail Lasim, dismissed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's description of his and the state executive council's actions as "rude" and "uncivilised". Ismail clarified that the council had not decided to remove or appoint the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. He emphasized that the council had merely discussed the state administration's stance on a proclamation viewed as the decision of the four Undangs.

Ismail affirmed his respect for Anwar's concern for the Royal Institution, but argued that the Prime Minister's criticism was based on an incomplete understanding of the roles of the Menteri Besar and council members. He reiterated that the council would not interfere in customary matters or the selection process, which lies within the state's jurisdiction as per the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

Ismail stated that any questions about the proclamation's validity, compliance with procedures, and constitutional impacts should be addressed under the state constitution and applicable legal procedures. He also assured that any court orders in force would be respected.