Former Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has challenged current Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim’s claim that the state’s adat and royal institution crisis stemmed from the previous administration.
Aminuddin said he had no issue with decisions made during his tenure being scrutinised, but insisted that any allegations against his administration should be backed by clear facts and records.
“I take note of the Menteri Besar’s statement attempting to link the adat and royal institution crisis in Negeri Sembilan to the previous administration, and I have no problem with being questioned.
“Do not simply use the term ‘previous government’ as a general answer. If there was wrongdoing, state what it was. In a matter of this magnitude, the people are entitled to clear and verifiable facts,” he said in a Facebook post on Friday.
Aminuddin said decisions made during his tenure as Menteri Besar could be examined through official records, documents and the chronology of events.
He also revisited the controversial proclamation dated April 19, 2026, saying the document was presented to him for signing on April 20 while he was still Menteri Besar, with reference to the process under Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 (UUTKNS).
However, he said he refused to sign it because he had serious concerns about the process that had been followed.
“Article 10 of the UUTKNS does not merely deal with powers concerning the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, but also sets out the process that must be fulfilled, including matters relating to a full and complete inquiry,” he said.
Aminuddin also pointed to a dispute at the time concerning the status of one of the individuals involved as the Undang of Luak Sungai Ujong.
He questioned why Ismail later signed the same proclamation while subsequently claiming that he had been forced to do so.
“I did not claim that I was ‘forced’. If I could refuse to sign, why did Datuk Ismail sign it?
“The allegation has been brought to the authorities and the investigation should be allowed to determine the actual facts without prejudice,” he said.
Ismail has previously said that he signed the proclamation against his will and under duress, and that he had lodged a police report over the matter. Lawyers representing the Undang Yang Empat have disputed the claim of coercion.
Aminuddin said he was prepared to answer for every decision made during his time as Menteri Besar.
“If there is any decision of mine that needs to be questioned, produce the documents, dates and relevant legal provisions. I will answer based on the records,” he said.
However, he urged Ismail to also explain his own actions and why his signature appeared on the proclamation.
“The people have the right to know why his signature appears on the proclamation document and what actually happened that later led him to claim that he was forced to sign it,” he said.
Aminuddin also said the dispute should not be addressed simply by blaming the previous administration.
“In matters involving the UUTKNS, Adat Perpatih and the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, explanations to the people must be based on facts, processes and the actual records.
“Do not manipulate the matter simply to avoid responsibility for overstepping,” he said.
The dispute remains contested, with the Attorney-General’s Chambers stating that the April 19 proclamation was invalid because it did not comply with the mandatory requirements of Article 10 of the UUTKNS. The AGC also said the Menteri Besar and state executive council do not have unilateral authority to terminate or vacate the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
