Kuala Lumpur:Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the principles of the rule of law and good governance must be upheld in administrative affairs to ensure actions are within prescribed jurisdictions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the suspension of Negeri Sembilan State Secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim and State Legal Adviser Datuk Muzalmah Mustapha Kamal underscores the need for administrative decisions to be based on a clear understanding of jurisdiction and legal provisions.
Saifuddin highlighted that the State Constitution and Law Division of the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) ruled that the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council lacks the legal authority to suspend these officials. Article 37 of the Negeri Sembilan State Constitution 1959 specifies that the appointment or suspension of these positions falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Services Commission and the Judicial and Legal Service Commission.
He emphasized that the legal clarity provided by the AGC underlines the necessity of maintaining governance, justice, and the rule of law in national administration, stressing that no entity should act beyond their jurisdiction and constitutional provisions. Saifuddin noted that respecting these limits is crucial to institutional strength and public confidence in the administrative system.
Saifuddin also pointed out that civil servants must be shielded from actions that bypass legal channels and due process, emphasizing that adherence to the Constitution and law is critical for a stable and orderly administration.
He concluded by saying that trustworthiness is vital to protecting the integrity of administrative institutions and public service from unauthorized actions, and that a robust administration is founded on lawful power, respected institutions, and prioritizing public trust.