KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 — Police have recorded statements from four individuals in connection with Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim’s claim that he was forced to sign a proclamation document under duress, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.
The investigation paper was submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers on September 29 and the authorities are currently waiting for further directives, Saifuddin said in a written parliamentary reply dated October 21.
“Whatever follow-up action and investigation by the police are subject to the AGC’s examination and instructions,” the minister said.
Ismail lodged the report after alleging that he signed the Instrument of Proclamation unwillingly and under duress.
The document in question pertains to a proclamation involving the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
The investigation is part of a wider dispute stemming from an April 19 proclamation, in which four Undang (chieftains) announced the removal of Tuanku Muhriz and proclaimed Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Jaafar as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
The legal battle has since escalated, with the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang and its secretary filing an application for leave on October 15 to initiate committal proceedings against Ismail, 10 former state executive councillors, and six others.
The application alleges that they acted in breach of an interim injunction granted by the Seremban High Court on June 5.
Case management for the committal application has been fixed for November 17.
Saifuddin has given assurance that the investigation would be “professional, transparent, and strictly in accordance with the law, without favouring any party”.