The Federal Government will continue to recognise Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan despite the proclamation of Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
Anwar said the government’s position is based on constitutional and legal processes, stressing that any move to remove or depose a ruler carries significant implications for national stability and the institution of the Malay Rulers, Berita Harian reported.
“The crisis in Negeri Sembilan is certainly worrying because the royal institution has its own rules, traditions and dignity. If it is challenged in this manner, it sends a very negative message,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Meranti here.
The Prime Minister said any differing views on the matter should be pursued through proper constitutional and legal channels to avoid creating uncertainty among the public.
His remarks came hours after Tunku Nadzaruddin was proclaimed the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan during a ceremony at a resort in Melaka. The proclamation was announced by Undang Luak Jelebu Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad on behalf of the Undang Yang Empat.
Anwar noted that the government had provided advice to the parties involved and pointed to a court order issued earlier in the day, but said the proclamation nevertheless proceeded.
Earlier, the Seremban High Court granted a temporary injunction preserving the status quo in an ongoing dispute involving the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU). The order restrains the DKU from holding meetings or making decisions until the court determines jurisdictional and justiciability issues arising from the matter.
The dispute dates back to April when four undangs, including Datuk Mubarak Thahak whose position as Sungai Ujong Undang remains contested, announced the removal of Tuanku Muhriz and named Tunku Nadzaruddin as the new Yang di-Pertuan Besar. Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun subsequently maintained that the move was invalid and would not be recognised.
Anwar also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty, dignity and constitutional position of the Malay Rulers, while expressing support for the Negeri Sembilan government’s decision to proceed with state elections following the dissolution of the state assembly.
