State government not seeking to remove Negri Sembilan ruler - Ismail Lasim

Negri Sembilan's Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Lasim, has reaffirmed the government's respect for the lawful decision regarding the royal and adat dispute, emphasizing that the state will not attempt to remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. Ismail clarified that the state does not claim the unilateral power to determine who occupies the throne, and that the monarchy in Negri Sembilan operates under a distinct system based on Adat Perpatih and the state Constitution.

The Yang di-Pertuan Besar's appointment is not determined by the Chief Minister or the state government but rather by the Undang Yang Empat and the Constitution, which outlines their roles in the selection process. Ismail stressed that matters involving adat and affecting the institution should be addressed in accordance with the Constitution and through the relevant adat institutions.

He urged against portraying the dispute as a conflict between the state government and the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, as such narratives hinder efforts to restore calm. The core issue at hand involves disputes over processes, jurisdiction, and the interpretation of actions by the adat institutions. These should be resolved through established custom and constitutional channels, rather than public accusations.

Ismail reiterated that the state government does not intend to dictate the outcome on behalf of the institutions involved.