Kuala Lumpur:Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized his commitment to not interfere in matters regarding the position of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, asserting that any issues involving the royal institution should be settled according to the Constitution and the law.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar noted that under Malaysia's constitutional monarchy system, actions concerning a Ruler must adhere to constitutional provisions and cannot be taken arbitrarily. He clarified his stance by stating, "I said I am not interfering. What am I interfering in? The Undangs made a decision. There are parties supporting them and giving their views, and there is no problem with that. I do not want to interfere."
Anwar highlighted the importance of resolving issues involving the Ruler with caution, as any action to remove or depose a Ruler must follow the conditions and processes laid out in the state Constitution. He stated, "Discuss it amicably. I do not agree with overthrowing a Ruler so easily. Our system cannot work that way, which is why the Constitution is very clear."
The Prime Minister also pointed out the limits of his and the Cabinet's powers, emphasizing that they cannot unilaterally alter matters related to the Malay Rulers, Islam, the Malay language, or the rights of all Malays. He said, "The Prime Minister is the chief executive administering the country. What is his limit? He cannot amend the Constitution regarding Islam, the Malay language, the rights of all Malays and the Rulers."
Anwar stressed the importance of defending the constitutional monarchy system to prevent it from being undermined by actions that bypass constitutional processes. He expressed understanding of public sentiment, stating, "If we can bring down a Ruler so easily, the royal system will cease to exist in our country. But I understand the people, especially the Malays, and many Malaysians, including the Chinese and Indians, also do not want this system to be threatened."
He further remarked that the issue transcends politics and involves the country's system, which must be protected. He warned against division among Malays over the Malay Rulers, stating, "If we, as Malays, are divided even over the Malay Rulers as a pillar of our system, how can we expect others to respect us? This is our problem, because hatred, anger, and differences of opinion have caused us to lose our judgement and our senses."
During the event, Anwar announced an additional allocation of RM2.8 million for repairing basic infrastructure at 14 Islamic educational institutions in Kedah.