Negri Sembilan MB withdraws objection, pledges allegiance to Tuanku Muhriz

SEREMBAN: Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has withdrawn his earlier objection to Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir's position as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, reaffirming his support for the ruler.

It is learnt that Ismail met the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal, Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, earlier this week and submitted a letter withdrawing his previous objection.

A letter dated Nov 10, sighted by Berita Harian, stated that Ismail had withdrawn the contents of his Sept 17 letter, taking into account the Malay Rulers' media statement dated Oct 14 and a June 5 Seremban High Court order which maintained Tuanku Muhriz's position as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

The letter said the decision was made in accordance with the Negri Sembilan Constitution 1959, to uphold the institution of the monarchy and ensure the state's administration continued peacefully and in an orderly manner.

It also stated that Ismail was expected to have an audience with Tuanku Muhriz to pledge his allegiance and seek the ruler's consent for the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) to reconvene.

The DUN sitting, originally scheduled to begin in mid-October, was cancelled and later rescheduled for Nov 26.

Ismail had previously said the crisis in Negri Sembilan, particularly the dispute involving the palace, would be resolved soon.

He said the matter had been discussed at both state and national Umno leadership levels, but declined to provide further details.

Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had also expressed confidence that the crisis would be resolved soon.

He said he hoped a solution could be reached through a spirit of cooperation among the parties involved, as had been demonstrated during the formation of the state government.