AG: Revocation of 10 Negeri Sembilan exco appointments valid under state constitution

KUALA LUMPUR: Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar has said the decision by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, to revoke the appointments of 10 state executive councillors was valid under the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959.

In a statement to Sinar Harian today, he cited Article 38(5) of the state constitution.

"Based on the gazette under Article 38(5) of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959, an exco member other than the Menteri Besar holds office for as long as it is permitted by Tuanku Muhriz," he said, as quoted by Scoop.

According to Dusuki, the revocation followed Tuanku Muhriz's withdrawal of consent over actions by the councillors that were alleged to be inconsistent with their oath of allegiance.

He also reiterated that the Menteri Besar and the state executive council had no authority to end the Yang di-Pertuan Besar's position or to suspend state officers who fall under the jurisdiction of other commissions.

The statement reflects the Attorney-General's position and is not a court ruling.

Menteri Besar still rejects it

The revocation of the 10 appointments was announced by the palace on Sept 20 and later gazetted.

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim has maintained that the revocation has no effect because it was made without his advice, and that the existing exco line-up remains valid.

Related matters in the crisis are also before the High Court in Seremban.