G25 urges Negeri Sembilan MB Ismail Lasim to resign after flip‑flops on ruler’s removal

PETALING JAYA, Sept 27 — Civil society coalition G25 has urged Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim to resign, contending his actions have eroded his credibility and moral standing after his involvement in efforts to oust HRH Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di Pertuan Besar. G25 declared the April 19 proclamation to remove Tuanku Muhriz "unconstitutional, null and void," as affirmed by the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU), which found three of the four Undangs had no legitimate customary standing.

Furthermore, the DKU pointed out that no comprehensive inquiry required by Article 10 of the State Constitution was ever carried out. The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) echoed this judgment, asserting the proclamation was invalid and stressing that neither the Menteri Besar nor the state executive council possessed powers to unilaterally remove the ruler.

G25 highlighted inconsistencies in Ismail’s behavior, noting he signed the proclamation on August 3—the day he took his oath of loyalty—only later claiming he had acted "under duress" and filed a police report. However, on September 16, he publicly acknowledged the proclamation's validity. The group demanded he explain who coerced him and why he subsequently reversed his stance.

"The flip flops must be explained. The public deserves to know," G25 emphasized. Tuanku Muhriz subsequently rescinded the appointments of Ismail and state exco members, gazetted on September 24, after they declined to recognize his authority. G25 welcomed Prime Minister’s stern condemnation of the state exco’s conduct, which he deemed "disrespectful and uncivilised."

Describing the attempted deposition as "treason" and "sedition," G25 called for enforcement agencies to act decisively against those involved, warning that disregarding the Federal and State Constitutions could lead to "a gradual collapse of law and order."