Negeri Sembilan PKR wants answers over assembly delay, royal dispute

Negeri Sembilan's opposition party, PKR, has demanded clarity from Chief Minister Ismail Lasim regarding the postponement of the state assembly meeting and a dispute with the state ruler. Communications director Shariman Che Deris highlighted how these incidents have raised concerns about the state government's transparency, accountability, and conflict resolution.

The state assembly meeting, originally set to begin, was postponed without prior notice to opposition assembly members. Shariman questioned the reasoning behind the postponement, noting that the two-month period given should have been adequate for preparation. He emphasized that the state assembly belongs to the people and is a democratic institution that requires proper respect and transparency.

Shariman also called for Ismail to explain the interactions with the Yang Di Pertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz, which took place after Friday prayers in Kuala Pilah. An irate Tuanku Muhriz confronted Ismail about the issue, and Ismail responded with a traditional gesture. The royal dispute stems from a constitutional crisis ignited in April, when four individuals claiming to be undangs (traditional chieftains) attempted to remove Tuanku Muhriz as the state ruler, replacing him with Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar.

Ismail endorsed a statement supporting the removal, but Tuanku Muhriz subsequently rescinded the appointments of the entire executive council. Shariman raised three key points requiring clarification: a proclamation letter signed by Ismail on August 3, the menteri besar's rejection of the ruler's decision to withdraw consent for appointing 10 exco members, and a letter to the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal claiming Tuanku Muhriz is no longer the Yang Di Pertuan Besar.

Shariman stressed that his criticism aimed to ensure responsible leadership and maintain public confidence in the state's government system, not to undermine any institution.