SEREMBAN, Nov 14 — Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has confirmed the withdrawal of the contents of a letter submitted to the Malay Rulers dated September 17 as well as the position previously taken by members of the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council (MMK) and effectively maintains the status quo regarding the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

He said the letter, which has circulated widely, was sent to the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, is self-explanatory.

“You have all read it, it has gone viral. The media has already commented extensively on it. So, I am confirming the letter. The letter is self-explanatory,” he told reporters after attending the Negeri Sembilan-level Deepavali Open House at the Seremban City Council (MBS) Hall here today.

Also present were the Undang of Luak Rembau, Datuk Sedia Raja Datuk Hassan Ab Hamid, and the Undang of Luak Jelebu, Datuk Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman Datuk Azrin Khairi.

Following this confirmation, Ismail expressed confidence that the impasse which has persisted in the state for the past few months is nearing settlement.

Earlier, a letter dated November 10 had circulated, concerning the withdrawal of the contents of a submission made to the Conference of Malay Rulers on September 17, as well as the position previously held by the members of the State Executive Council (MMK).

The letter states that Ismail, together with 10 members of the State Executive Council (Exco), has unanimously decided to retract the contents of a letter dated September 17.

This decision takes into account a media statement by the Malay Rulers dated October 14, as well as an order from the Seremban High Court dated June 5, which maintains the status quo regarding the position of the Yang Di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

The letter further explains that this decision was made to uphold the supremacy of the 1959 Negeri Sembilan State Constitution, preserve the order of the monarchical system, and ensure that the state administration continues to function in a peaceful and orderly manner.

“We reaffirm our commitment to always uphold our customs (adat) and to respect the position and authority of the royal institution within the state’s governance system.

“We also acknowledge the call by the Malay Rulers for any differences to be resolved through legitimate, authoritative, and credible channels, in a manner that is civil and consistent with our customs,” the letter reads.

The parties involved also expressed the view that efforts toward a resolution must be carried out with a strong sense of responsibility, in order to maintain harmony and stability in Negeri Sembilan and to prioritise the well-being of the people.

Meanwhile, Ismail could not provide further comment regarding the status of the 10 former Exco members, as he has not yet had the opportunity to have an audience with Tuanku Muhriz.

“As of now, since I have not yet had an audience with Tuanku, there is no further news. There have been no discussions regarding the status of the Exco members thus far. Once I have an audience [with His Highness], I will accept his views... for now, I cannot offer any comments,” he said.

The list of the 10 former Executive Council (Exco) members includes Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli, Datuk Zaifulbahri Idris, Mustapha Nagoor, Siow Kong Choon, Siti Nur Umaira Hasim, Datuk Mohd Asna Amin, Datuk Mohd Razi Mohd Ali, Suhaimizan Bizar, Datuk Mohd Fairuz Mohd Isa, and Datuk Razali Abu Samah.

In another development, regarding the 2027 state budget, Ismail stated that he is still awaiting the consent of Tuanku Muhriz concerning the date for the legislative session.

“There is one point I must clarify to you all regarding the budget for the upcoming State Legislative Assembly session: the date I provided (November 26) is the date proposed by the state government.

“If His Highness consents to that date, we will proceed, it is entirely subject to his consent. The budget must be finalised before the end of the year,” he said. — Bernama