Anwar firm on not interfering in Negeri Sembilan ruler’s position

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed that he would not interfere in matters concerning the position of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, and that any dispute involving the royal institution should be resolved in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

He said under the constitutional monarchy system practised in the country, any action concerning a Ruler could not be taken arbitrarily but must be based on constitutional provisions.

“I said I am not interfering. What am I interfering in? The Undangs made a decision. There are parties supporting them and giving their views, and there is no problem with that. I do not want to interfere.

“But even with the Undang, which is valid, which is invalid? Decide and resolve that,” he said during his speech at at programme here last night.

Anwar said issues involving the Ruler should not be taken lightly as Malaysia practises a constitutional monarchy that places the royal institution within the framework of the Constitution.

He said any action to remove or depose a Ruler could not be taken lightly, but was instead subject to the conditions and processes stipulated in the state Constitution.

“Discuss it amicably. I do not agree with overthrowing a Ruler so easily. Our system cannot work that way, which is why the Constitution is very clear,” he said.

According to Anwar, the prime minister and Cabinet also have limits to their powers set by the Constitution and cannot arbitrarily change matters relating to the institution of the Malay Rulers.

“The prime minister is the chief executive administering the country. What is his limit? He cannot amend the Constitution regarding Islam, the Malay language, the rights of all Malays and the Rulers,” he said.

He said the principle must be defended to ensure the constitutional monarchy system was not eroded by actions that did not follow constitutional channels.

“If we can bring down a Ruler so easily, the royal system will cease to exist in our country. But I understand the people, especially the Malays, and many Malaysians, including the Chinese and Indians, also do not want this system to be threatened,” he said.

Anwar said the issue should not be regarded merely as a political issue, but one involving the system of monarchy that must be defended.

“If we, as Malays, are divided even over the Malay Rulers as a pillar of our system, how can we expect others to respect us? This is our problem, because hatred, anger and differences of opinion have caused us to lose our judgement and our senses,” he said.

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