Saifuddin Nasution affirms rule of law in Negeri Sembilan suspensions

Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has emphasized that administrative actions must strictly adhere to established legal jurisdictions and the rule of law. This statement follows the recent suspension of two high-ranking officials in Negeri Sembilan: State Secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim and State Legal Adviser Datuk Muzalmah Mustapha Kamal.

According to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC), the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council (EXCO) lacks the legal authority to suspend these officials. Under Article 37 of the Negeri Sembilan Laws of the Constitution 1959, the power to appoint or suspend these specific roles rests solely with the Public Service Commission and the Judicial and Legal Service Commission.

Saifuddin noted that no party can act unilaterally beyond constitutional provisions. He stressed that respecting legal boundaries is essential for institutional strength and maintaining public confidence in the administrative system, adding that civil servants must be protected from actions that bypass proper legal channels.