SEREMBAN (April 23): The Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly sitting has been adjourned amid an escalating dispute over the position of the state ruler.

State Assembly Speaker Datuk MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman announced that the first meeting of the fourth session of the 15th Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly has been adjourned to a later date, to be announced, after Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir delivered his royal address.

He stressed that the decision was not related to the absence of the Undang Yang Empat at the opening ceremony.

All 36 state assemblymen were present at the opening, except Rantau assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who was on official duty as the foreign minister, according to the state’s speaker.

“There is no issue of quorum or requirement. If there were, it could not be adjourned,” he said on the sidelines of the state assembly opening ceremony on Thursday.

The sitting was originally scheduled from April 23 to April 29 to allow state assemblymen to debate the royal address.

MK Ibrahim said the decision was made under his authority as Speaker, adding that he would seek consent from the state ruler for a new date, which would be announced later.

“I hope that what has happened can actually be clarified before our next sitting,” he said.

MK Ibrahim told The Edge they will decide on whether the royal address debate will be needed in the new session.

Under the state consititution, the state ruler must ensure the Legislative Assembly meets at least once every six months.

Negeri Sembilan’s state administration has come under scrutiny following a dispute over the position of state ruler Tuanku Muhriz, after the Undang Yang Empat, which included Undang of Sungai Ujong Datuk Mubarak Dohak who was removed from his post, announced on April 19 that the ruler had been removed.

The Undang Yang Empat — Mubarak, Maarof Mat Rashad (Jelebu), Muhammad Abdullah (Johol) and Abdul Rahim Yasin (Rembau) — are vested with the authority to determine whether the ruler is unfit to reign due to serious incapacity, misconduct, or breaches of the constitution or Islamic principles, and to require him to step aside or abdicate.

However, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the state government does not recognise the declaration, noting that Mubarak was removed from his position prior to making the announcement.

The four Undangs  issued a formal statement late Wednesday saying they will not attend the state assembly on Thursday, and want it postponed until a new ruler is officially in place. They said the menteri besar must follow their decision under the law.

This is the first time the Undang Yang Empat has been absent from the opening of the state assembly since Tuanku Muhriz ascended the throne. Tunku Besar Tampin Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus Al-Qadri was also absent. 

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