SEREMBAN: Plans to convene the Negri Sembilan state assembly on Nov 26 without the consent of Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir could trigger a serious constitutional and administrative crisis, a constitutional law expert has warned.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Negri Sembilan senior lecturer Dr Muhamad Fuad Abdul Karim said there was a clear legal distinction between an official opening ceremony and royal consent.
He said the state assembly could proceed without Tuanku Muhriz physically officiating the opening, as the absence of a royal address would not invalidate its proceedings.
“However, the state assembly cannot convene without Tuanku Muhriz’s formal consent through an instrument of summons.
“Without it, the planned Nov 26 sitting would not merely be inappropriate, but invalid.
“If it goes ahead, it would be an unprecedented event,” he said when contacted.
The sitting is scheduled for Nov 26, with the 2027 state Budget set to be tabled the following day.
However, the state government has yet to obtain Tuanku Muhriz’s consent to convene the sitting.
This follows the State Executive Council’s decision to recognise the April 19 proclamation concerning Tuanku Muhriz’s removal as Yang di-Pertuan Besar as valid and effective.
Earlier, Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim said the state government would proceed with its original plan to convene the sitting on Nov 26, followed by the tabling of the 2027 state Budget a day later.
The Juasseh assemblyman said the state government was working to obtain Tuanku Muhriz’s consent to officiate the sitting.
Fuad said proceeding with the sitting without resolving the constitutional issues could paralyse its functions.
“Even if the sitting meets the minimum quorum, the absence of exco members could hamper the state government’s executive functions.
“The tabling of the 2027 state Budget could also be affected as the menteri besar does not have the constitutional authority to approve budget policies on his own before presenting them to the state assembly,” he said.
He said question-and-answer sessions could also be disrupted, as the menteri besar would have to answer questions across portfolios, including religious affairs, housing, the economy and infrastructure, which would normally be handled by the respective exco members.
He said the sitting should not proceed without the proper constitutional procedures being followed.
“The state government must resolve the appointment of a legitimate Exco line-up in accordance with constitutional requirements.
“It must also formally seek and obtain Tuanku Muhriz’s consent before issuing any notice to convene the sitting,” he said.