The federal government would leave Negeri Sembilan to resolve its current administrative impasse in accordance with the state constitution, Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said, stressing that the state’s unique constitutional and customary framework must be respected.
Azalina said all parties should refer to the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 (UUTKNS) in seeking a solution, given the state’s distinctive Adat Perpatih system.
“Negeri Sembilan is a bit unique compared to the other states. I don’t want to take sides on who is right or wrong, but to me, any decision or anything, you have to go back to the main law, which is the state constitution,” she said.
She said the Federal Constitution clearly delineates matters under federal and state jurisdiction, making it important for both constitutional frameworks to be respected.
“So, we have to respect the state law as well as the Federal Constitution. Let the people of Negeri Sembilan themselves find a solution. This is my personal opinion,” she added.
Her comments came after 10 former Malaysian Bar presidents called on the federal government to intervene in the constitutional dispute surrounding the position of Negeri Sembilan Yang Dipertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
The former Bar presidents said recent developments raised serious concerns over the constitutional monarchy and rule of law, particularly actions involving the state executive council which they said did not follow the processes prescribed under the UUTKNS.
The dispute intensified after the Negeri Sembilan Dewan Keadilan dan Undang reiterated on Sept 17 that Tuanku Muhriz remains the lawful Yang Dipertuan Besar, saying there was no vacancy in the position.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers subsequently said an April 19 proclamation concerning Tuanku Muhriz’s position was invalid because it did not comply with mandatory requirements under Article 10 of the state constitution. It also said the Menteri Besar and state executive council had no unilateral authority to depose the ruler or declare the position vacant.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier said the federal government would respect Negeri Sembilan’s laws and customs and would not interfere beyond ensuring that the proper constitutional procedures were followed.
