State government has no authority to suspend SUK duties, Constitution – Attorney General's Department
Malaysia’s Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has ruled that the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council (MMKN) lacks legal authority to suspend the State Secretary (SUK) and State Legal Adviser (PUU) with immediate…
Source: Kosmo! · September 22, 2026 at 8:32 PM · AI-assisted report
Single-source
NEGERI SEMBILAN, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
Malaysia’s Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has ruled that the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council (MMKN) lacks legal authority to suspend the State Secretary (SUK) and State Legal Adviser (PUU) with immediate effect, asserting that such powers reside with federal service commissions under the state constitution.
Market Impact
The opinion, issued in a statement on Monday, clarifies the constitutional limits on state executive power and underscores the role of the Public Service Commission (SPA) and the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (SPKP) in appointments and disciplinary actions for the two senior posts. The ruling comes after the MMKN unanimously decided earlier on Monday to suspend SUK Datuk Mohd.
Zafir Ibrahim and PUU Datuk Muzalmah Mustapha Kamal, a move that had raised questions about administrative continuity in the state.
According to the AGC, matters relating to the appointment and suspension of the SUK and PUU fall under the jurisdiction of the SPA and SPKP respectively, as stipulated in Article 37 of the Negeri Sembilan State Constitution 1959 (UUTKNS).
“For the appointment of a new State Legal Adviser, it must be stated that the appointment shall comply with Article 37 UUTKNS, namely appointed by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission from among members of the Judicial and Legal Service,” the statement said.
Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim was reported as saying that State Financial Officer Datuk Masri Razali had been named to perform the duties of the State Secretary pending the appointment of a permanent replacement by the Chief Secretary to the Government. The AGC’s position effectively requires any formal suspension or replacement to follow the federal commission process, setting up a potential constitutional test for the state administration.
Related: Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim · Negeri Sembilan