Negeri Sembilan Chief Minister Datuk Ismail Lasim has denied that he or the state government orchestrated changes involving the state’s royal institution, insisting that neither possesses unilateral authority to determine who ascends or leaves the throne.
Ismail said in a strongly worded statement on Sept 24 that the ongoing dispute surrounding Negeri Sembilan’s customary and royal institutions did not originate under the current administration, but was inherited from the previous government.
He rejected claims that the state government or himself had “removed” the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, stressing that Negeri Sembilan’s monarchy operates under its own system rooted in Adat Perpatih and the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan.
Under that framework, Ismail said the Yang di-Pertuan Besar is not chosen by the Chief Minister or state government, with the Undang Yang Empat holding specific responsibilities in the selection process.
“It is therefore incorrect to portray the Chief Minister or the State Executive Council as having unilateral power to determine who ascends or leaves the throne,” the statement said.
The latest statement comes amid a weeks-long dispute surrounding a proclamation concerning the position of Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
Ismail had earlier said he signed an instrument of proclamation against his will and under duress, while maintaining his support and loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz.
Ismail said the present controversy should not be reduced to a political confrontation between the state government and the palace, arguing that disputes over customary processes, jurisdiction and the interpretation of actions by customary institutions should instead be resolved through mechanisms provided under state law.
He added that the state government had no intention of deciding matters on behalf of the relevant customary institutions.
At the same time, Ismail called for the mandate and executive authority of the state government to be respected, saying the administration must be allowed to carry out its duties without unlawful interference, intimidation or pressure.
He said respect for the royal and customary institutions did not diminish the legitimate functions of the elected state government, just as respecting the government’s democratic mandate did not diminish the standing of the monarchy.
On questions surrounding senior state officials, including the State Secretary and State Legal Adviser, Ismail said any issue over their positions should be settled through proper legal and administrative processes.
However, he maintained that questions surrounding professionalism, neutrality and compliance with lawful government decisions could not be ignored, stressing that civil servants should not be perceived as taking sides in political or institutional disputes.
Ismail also urged all parties, including federal agencies, to respect Negeri Sembilan’s jurisdiction and avoid actions that could be interpreted as taking over functions or determining matters falling within the state’s authority under law and customs.
He said the state government would respect any final decision lawfully reached by institutions with jurisdiction under Adat Perpatih and the state constitution.
“The state government is not seeking conflict with the royal institution,” Ismail said, adding that the administration would continue governing and safeguarding both the interests of the people and the dignity of Negeri Sembilan’s customary and royal institutions.
