G25: Resolve Negri Sembilan crisis according to Constitution, law

KUALA LUMPUR: G25 Malaysia today called for the Federal and State Constitutions and the rule of law to be upheld in resolving the issue surrounding the position of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

The civil society organisation said it firmly supported the lawful constitutional position of Tuanku Muhriz as the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, stressing that any challenge to the position must be resolved strictly according to the State Constitution, adat and the law.

"We in G25 are troubled by this matter as the act of calling for the deposition of a ruler is a serious crime. It is the crime of treason," said the Malay-Muslim group of former civil servants and individuals with deep experience across diverse fields, in a statement today.

G25 said that under Section 121B of the Penal Code, the act of treason is punishable with mandatory jail term for a minimum of 30 years and not more than 40 years, and it is also a crime of sedition under section 4 of the Sedition Act of 1948.

The group urged enforcement authorities, including the Attorney-General to be firm against those committing the acts of treason and sedition, especially against those who openly, publicly and ashamedly commit such crimes, regardless of the status of such persons.

"The sanctity of the Federal and State Constitutions and the rule of law must be vigilantly upheld. Otherwise, there will be a gradual collapse of law and order, which we are now beginning to feel and witness," the statement read.

G25 said the Attorney-General's Chambers had made clear that the menteri besar and members of the state executive council did not have unilateral powers to terminate or vacate the ruler's office, adding that the proclamation's validity and effect must be determined through lawful constitutional and legal process.

G25 also called on the menteri besar to explain his claim that he had been coerced into signing the purported proclamation on Aug 3, including the identity of the person who allegedly coerced him.

"He must also explain the subsequent contradictory position that he took on Sept 16 in asserting the 'validity' of the proclamation. The flip-flops must be explained. The public deserves to know," the group said.