PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional must step up efforts to clear the air over the Negeri Sembilan constitutional crisis, before nominations are held for the Melaka elections, an Umno vice-president said.
Johari Ghani said the coalition must set the record straight to avoid any accusations that Umno was behind the attempted removal of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as Yang Dipertuan Besar.
“It must be properly explained that those seeking to remove Tuanku Muhriz are not from Umno. BN must explain why a proclamation was made (to dethrone Tuanku Muhriz) and the difference between a proclamation and a removal so that the public understands the procedures involved,” he was quoted by Berita Harian as saying.
Johari said failure to explain the issue properly could lead to the matter being misunderstood and create problems.
He was asked to comment on whether the constitutional crisis could impact BN’s chances at the Melaka state election on Nov 14. A group of territorial chiefs have sought the removal of Tuanku Muhriz as Yang Dipertuan Besar, which led to the dismissal of the state executive council for upholding a proclamation by the chieftains.
The menteri besar, Ismail Lasim, who had initially rejected the proclamation, later endorsed the state executive council's decision.
However, the Attorney-General's Chambers has stated that the attempted removal of Tuanku Muhriz was unconstitutional.
The dispute between the territorial chiefs and the Negeri Sembilan royal court has resulted in suits and counter-suits being filed.