A team of federal police officers has begun interviewing former executive council members of Negri Sembilan as part of an investigation into the state’s ongoing constitutional and adat (customary) crisis. The questioning took place at the Negri Sembilan Islamic Affairs Council building, with officers from Bukit Aman’s special investigation unit conducting the sessions individually.
Datuk Mohd Asna Amin, one of the former exco members interviewed, said each session lasted about 30 minutes and was conducted in a professional and cordial manner. He reported being asked approximately 60 questions, which he answered based on his knowledge of the situation. Other former exco members questioned included Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli, Datuk Zaifulbahri Idris, Datuk Mustapha Nagoor, Datuk Mohd Razi Mohd Ali, Siti Nur Umaira Hasim, Suhaimizin Bizar, Siow Kong Choon, Mohd Fairuz Mohd Isa, and Datuk Razali Abu Samah.
The controversy began when Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir revoked the appointments of these 10 exco members on Sept. 20, citing breaches of their oath and pledge of allegiance to the state. This revocation was officially gazetted four days later. According to Mohd Asna, he was informed that more individuals might be summoned for questioning, but he was unaware of who they might be. He also confirmed that Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim was not present during the interviews and indicated that he did not anticipate any further questioning sessions.
When asked if the officers had specified under which legal provision the statements were being recorded, Mohd Asna stated that no such information was provided. He was only told that the interviews related to the crisis facing Negri Sembilan.
On Sunday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed that the police had received multiple reports concerning the dispute involving the state’s royal institution. He said the authorities would interview all parties directly connected to the issue, including those linked to the Undang and the Mentri Besar.
In addition to the questioning, former exco members were instructed to return their official vehicles, prompting Mohd Asna to shift most of his work to his service centre in Lenggeng, where he serves as an assemblyman.
Amid the turmoil, political leaders from Barisan Nasional, PAS, and Parti Wawasan Negara held a meeting on Sunday night at the Umno headquarters. Mohd Asna described the gathering, which included Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, as an effort to find a resolution and ensure the continuity of state governance ahead of the upcoming state budget session scheduled for December. He emphasized that despite the crisis, the government’s priority remains the welfare of the people, leaving it to the Mentri Besar to determine how to move forward.