The Speaker of the Negri Sembilan state assembly, Datuk Seri Dr Awaludin Said, has ruled out the possibility of allowing a motion of no confidence against Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim at the upcoming state legislative session. The meeting is scheduled to take place from October 16 and will be opened by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
Speaking to reporters at the launch of a state government programme aimed at assisting the needy, Awaludin said that the assembly would not entertain unverified or unlawful matters. He emphasized that the legislative body is primarily for making laws and policies and would only consider motions if the state government has reached a formal decision on the issues in question.
The Speaker’s statement came amid rumours that some elected representatives from the Barisan Nasional or Perikatan Nasional coalitions planned to table a no-confidence motion against Ismail during the session. Awaludin noted that he had not received any official notice or credible information about such a move, particularly in light of the recent adat (customary law) crisis affecting the state.
Awaludin urged the public to remain patient and avoid speculation regarding the political situation. He highlighted that the state government had been duly formed, with the Mentri Besar, executive council members, and assemblymen all sworn in. "Let’s give the state government time to resolve the issues before us," he said, warning against heeding unverified allegations.
The current controversy centers around claims made on September 5 by traditional leaders, including the Undang of Johol Datuk Mohammed Abdullah, Tunku Besar Tampin Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus Al-Qadri, Dato’ Shahbandar Sungei Ujong Datuk Seri Utama Badarudin Abd Khalid, and former Undangs Datuk Mubarak Dohak, Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, and Abdul Rahim Yasin. They alleged that Ismail had signed a proclamation on August 3 at Istana Laguna Biru in Port Dickson endorsing the deposition of Tuanku Muhriz as the state ruler.
In response, Ismail denied the legitimacy of the document, describing his signing as having been done under duress. He has reportedly filed a police report to have the matter investigated. The Mentri Besar and the state government maintain that the proclamation does not comply with the procedures outlined in Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negri Sembilan 1959. Consequently, they regard the document as void, unconstitutional, and unenforceable.
Ismail also reaffirmed his loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz, affirming him as the sole legitimate and sovereign Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan. The unfolding situation reveals ongoing tensions within the state’s political and traditional leadership, with calls for patience as the government seeks to address the issues.