Lawyers accuse Negeri Sembilan govt of ‘coup’, threaten contempt action

Lawyers for Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir have accused the Negeri Sembilan government of staging a “coup d’état” by declaring his removal as Yang Dipertuan Besar and recognising Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the new ruler.

In a letter to the parties concerned, the lawyers from Halim & Ismail said their client was “shocked” by the state executive council’s announcement and maintained that it had no jurisdiction, authority or power to make such a declaration.

They also described the announcement as unconstitutional, void and having no legal effect.

“Our client takes the view that your conduct in issuing the announcement is intended to undermine Tuanku Muhriz’s executive authority… and is further intended to overthrow and dethrone the ruler,” the lawyers said.

Describing the conduct as “tantamount to a coup d’état and an act of treason” punishable under the Penal Code and other laws, they also claimed the announcement breached the interim injunctive orders issued by the High Court on June 5.

They said the orders were among the reasons the court granted leave on July 8 for contempt proceedings to be initiated.

“Our clients intend to commence contempt proceedings against you for the abovementioned breaches of the injunctive orders,” they said.

The letter comes a day after the Negeri Sembilan executive council declared that the proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz was valid and that Tuanku Nadzaruddin was the new Yang Dipertuan Besar with immediate effect.

The council said the April 19 proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz under Article 10 of the Negeri Sembilan constitution was signed and sealed by the legitimate undangs.

It also said the proclamation was signed by menteri besar Ismail Lasim on Aug 3, completing the process under Article 10(2).

The lawyers also asked whether Ismail had endorsed the executive council’s latest statement, noting that it was signed off merely as the “line-up of Negeri Sembilan executive council members”.