N.Sembilan MB Says 'Proclamation' Signed Against Will And Under Duress

SEREMBAN, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim today said an instrument of proclamation highlighted in a media statement last night was signed against his will and under duress.

Ismail said he lodged a police report at about 6 pm yesterday to allow the authorities to investigate the matter.

“Referring to the issue of the instrument of proclamation that surfaced in a media statement on the night of Sept 8, I wish to clarify that I signed the document against my will and under duress.

“The state government’s stance is that the document did not comply with the processes and procedures stipulated under Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959,” he said in a statement today.

Ismail said the document was therefore invalid, unconstitutional and unenforceable.

He said the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council, which met yesterday, also discussed the establishment of a Peace Committee as a platform to resolve the state’s adat or customary issues harmoniously, prudently and in the spirit of consensus.

The state government also referred to Article 71 of the Federal Constitution, which provides for the Federation to guarantee the rights and position of a Ruler under the Constitution and to take appropriate measures to safeguard the dignity and position of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

“I once again express my full support and unwavering loyalty to His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the sole legitimate and sovereign Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan,” Ismail said.

Media reports had alleged that Ismail had signed an instrument of proclamation related to Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

A document purportedly bearing his signature was presented at a press conference last night.

-- BERNAMA