SEREMBAN, Sept 9 — Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim today confirmed that he signed a proclamation concerning the position of Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, but said he had done so unwillingly and under duress.
In a statement, Ismail said he lodged a police report at about 6pm yesterday to enable the authorities to investigate the matter.
“The state government maintains that the Instrument did not comply with the processes and procedures stipulated under Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959,” he said.
“It is therefore invalid, unconstitutional and unenforceable,” he added.
Ismail said the state executive council also discussed establishing a reconciliation committee during its meeting yesterday.
He said the committee would serve as a platform to resolve the customary dispute harmoniously and prudently in the spirit of consensus.
Ismail also cited Article 71 of the Federal Constitution, saying the provision requires the Federation to safeguard the constitutional rights and position of a state Ruler.
He reiterated his full support and unwavering loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz as the “one and only legitimate and sovereign” Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.
His statement followed claims by four individuals identifying themselves as the Undang Yang Empat, together with the Tunku Besar of Tampin and Dato’ Shahbandar of Sungei Ujong, that he signed the proclamation at Istana Laguna Biru in Port Dickson on August 3.
The group claimed that the proclamation was intended to give effect to an earlier declaration concerning Tuanku Muhriz’s position that the four Undangs purportedly signed and sealed on April 19.
The state government did not recognise the April 19 declaration, whose validity remains disputed.
