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

On September 27, civil society group G25 has called for Negeri Sembilan's Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim to resign, citing his loss of credibility and moral authority following his involvement in efforts to remove His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz as the ruler. G25 deemed the April 19 proclamation to depose Tuanku Muhriz as "unconstitutional, null and void," as determined by the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU).

The DKU found that three of the four Undangs involved lacked valid customary standing, and noted the absence of a full and complete inquiry required by Article 10 of the State Constitution. The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) similarly ruled the proclamation invalid, emphasizing that neither the Menteri Besar nor the state executive council possessed the power to unilaterally remove the ruler.

G25 highlighted inconsistencies in Ismail's actions: he signed the proclamation on August 3, a day after taking his loyalty oath, then claimed he had acted "under duress" and filed a police report. However, on September 16, Ismail publicly acknowledged the proclamation's validity. The group demanded an explanation from Ismail regarding who coerced him and why he later reversed his stance. G25 emphasized the need for the public to understand these flip-flops.

Tuanku Muhriz has since revoked the appointments of Ismail and the exco members, as gazetted on September 24, after they refused to recognize his authority. G25 welcomed the Prime Minister's strong condemnation of the state executive council's actions, describing them as "disrespectful and uncivilized." The group called the attempted deposition "treason" and "sedition" and urged enforcement agencies to take firm action against those involved, warning that failing to uphold the Federal and State Constitutions could lead to "a gradual collapse of law and order."