PETALING JAYA: Negeri Sembilan PKR has demanded an explanation from menteri besar Ismail Lasim over the postponement of the state assembly meeting, and a dispute with the state ruler.
Its communications director, Shariman Che Deris, said the two incidents had raised questions about the state government’s transparency, accountability, and handling of conflicts.
Shariman said the state assembly meeting, scheduled to begin yesterday, was postponed without proper notice to opposition assemblymen.
He also questioned the reason given for the postponement, saying the two-month period available should have been sufficient for the menteri besar and government assemblymen to prepare for the meeting.
“The state assembly does not belong to any individual or political party. It is a democratic institution that carries the people's mandate,” he said in a statement today.
He said the failure to convene the meeting without prior notice showed a lack of respect for democratic institutions, elected representatives, and the public’s right to representation through debate and checks and balances.
Shariman also called on Ismail to explain issues raised during an interaction with the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
An irate Tuanku Muhriz admonished Ismail after Friday prayers in Kuala Pilah yesterday, with Ismail responding with the traditional "angkat sembah" gesture.
Tuanku Muhriz’s rebuke of Ismail comes amid a constitutional crisis in the state sparked in April after four people claiming to be undangs, or traditional chieftains, announced the purported removal of Tuanku Muhriz as the state’s ruler, and proclaimed Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the Yang Dipertuan Besar.
Last month, Ismail endorsed a statement issued by his executive council that purportedly affirmed the removal of Tuanku Muhriz as head of state.
Tuanku Muhriz subsequently revoked the appointments of the entire executive council.
Shariman cited three matters requiring clarification -- a proclamation letter dated April 19 that was signed by Ismail on Aug 3, a day after he took his oath of office before Tuanku Muhriz; the menteri besar’s rejection of the ruler’s decision to withdraw his consent to the appointment of 10 exco members; and a letter to the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal claiming that Tuanku Muhriz was no longer the Yang Dipertuan Besar.
He said the matters raised questions about Ismail’s handling of the relationship between the state administration and the royal institution.
He stressed that the criticism was not intended to undermine any institution, but to ensure that those entrusted with responsibility acted with integrity and maintained public confidence in the state’s system of government.
“Negeri Sembilan needs leadership that can resolve problems, not allow questions to linger,” he said.
“When trust is called into question, explanations must be provided. When public confidence is undermined, efforts to restore it must begin with honesty and accountability.”