Home minister: Good governance and rule of law must be upheld as AGC affirms limits on Negeri Sembilan exco powers

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 — The home minister emphasized the necessity of upholding good governance and the rule of law in administrative affairs, warning that exceeding jurisdictional boundaries could undermine the stability and integrity of institutions. State Secretary (SUK) Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim and State Legal Adviser Datuk Muzalmah Mustapha Kamal were suspended, underscoring the AGC's ruling that the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council lacks the legal authority to dissolve the duties of these high-ranking officials.

The legal basis for this decision is grounded in Article 37 of the Negeri Sembilan State Constitution 1959, which specifies that appointment and suspension of duties for key positions should be handled by the Public Services Commission and the Judicial and Legal Service Commission. This legal affirmation underscores the importance of adhering to established jurisdictional limits and constitutional provisions in the exercise of power.

The home minister stressed that civil servants must be safeguarded from actions taken without proper legal channels and due process, highlighting that compliance with the Constitution and laws is crucial for maintaining a stable, orderly, and trustworthy administration.