KUALA LUMPUR: The government will clarify the termination of 10 Negeri Sembilan state executive council (Exco) members during the winding-up session of the debate on the Supply Bill 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the debate was still ongoing and the relevant ministry would respond to the issues raised during the winding-up session.
She said various views had been expressed during the debate and the government would provide the necessary explanations when it was time for the relevant ministry to respond.
“The debate is not over yet, and many people have raised different points. During the winding-up session, the relevant ministry will address the matter,” she told a press conference at the 2026 Anti-Bullying Act Literacy Programme at the Institute of Teacher Education Malaysia in Lembah Pantai.
Previously, Kota Bharu MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan urged the government to explain the constitutional basis for terminating the services of the 10 Negeri Sembilan Exco members in September.
He claimed the move could conflict with the Negeri Sembilan State Constitution and raised concerns regarding constitutional safeguards under Articles 71(1) and 71(2) of the Federal Constitution.
The PAS secretary-general also alleged that the termination did not comply with Article 38(5) of the Negeri Sembilan State Constitution, which stipulates that the appointment of Exco members, other than the Menteri Besar, may be revoked by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar on the advice of the Menteri Besar.
On Sept 21, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim reportedly said terminating Exco appointments without the Menteri Besar’s advice or request was a legal error.
He also maintained that the action was unconstitutional and had no legal effect, claiming he had neither been consulted nor advised on the matter as required under Article 38(5) of the state constitution.
-AWANI
