PETALING JAYA: Umno must choose between defending the Malay royal institution and protecting its own leader in the Negeri Sembilan royal crisis, says Amanah deputy president Mujahid Yusof Rawa.
Mujahid raised the issue of a letter allegedly sent by Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Ismail Lasim concerning the position of the Yang Dipertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
In several videos that went viral on social media yesterday, Tuanku Muhriz was seen telling a group of people that Ismail had sent a letter to the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal informing him that he was no longer the Yang Dipertuan Besar.
Visibly angered, Tuanku Muhriz then turned to Ismail and questioned why he wanted to meet him.
In a statement today, Mujahid said the video was not a trivial matter that Umno could ignore.
He asked whether Umno leaders knew of or endorsed the letter, whether the party supported the state executive council’s earlier recognition of the proclamation to remove Tuanku Muhriz, and why Ismail had shifted from expressing support for the ruler to endorsing the exco’s decision questioning his position.
“Umno must now choose whether to defend the royal institution or its own leader,” Mujahid said.
He also said Ismail must seek the ruler’s forgiveness and apologise to the people of Negeri Sembilan and all Malaysians for disrespecting the royal institution.
Mujahid urged Umno to take firm disciplinary action against Ismail, saying the menteri besar should resign if he failed to provide a convincing explanation for his actions and restore relations with the palace.
“The post of menteri besar is not Umno’s property. It is a constitutional trust exercised with the consent of the Yang Dipertuan Besar, and the officeholder must be accountable to the people and the state legislative assembly,” he said.
Mujahid also questioned why Umno leaders, who were outspoken in defending the royal institution when others were involved, had remained silent when the party’s own leader was implicated in such an issue.
He said Umno had long proclaimed itself the defender of the Malays, Islam, and the Malay rulers, and that the party was quick to accuse others of disrespecting or being disloyal to the rulers over issues he described as fabricated or blown out of proportion.
“Unfortunately, when the menteri besar from Umno itself is linked to actions that touch on the position of a Malay ruler, Umno leaders remain silent.
“Where is the voice of the Umno Youth chief, who is usually so outspoken?
“Is loyalty to the rulers merely a slogan used to attack political opponents, but one that does not apply when the actions are taken by Umno leaders themselves?” he said.