Negeri Sembilan’s four undang luak (territorial chieftains), tunku besar of Tampin, and Sungai Ujong’s datuk syahbandar have claimed that Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim had signed a proclamation supporting the removal of state ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir from the throne.
Ismail, however, has since expressed his full support and loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz, saying he and the state government remained focused on fulfilling their responsibilities to the people and the state.
In a joint statement yesterday, the customary rulers claimed Ismail signed the proclamation on Aug 3 at Istana Laguna Biru, Port Dickson.
They said that they, along with Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'afar, had received Ismail on that date for a meeting to give their consent to his appointment as menteri besar.
“During the audience, Ismail also signed and completed the proclamation under Article 10(2) of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959, in line with his constitutional obligation, in the presence of the ruler and invited guests, in a brief ceremony which ended with a prayer,” they said.
The Undang Yang Empat claimed they had signed and sealed the proclamation on April 19, declaring Tuanku Muhriz's abdication under Article 10(1)(b) of the state constitution.
They urged the proclamation to be enforced immediately, calling on the state secretary and all members of the state administration to comply with it and uphold constitutional supremacy.
The proclamation allegedly signed by Ismail reads:
"Whereas referring to the proclamation of dismissal of Tuanku Muhriz as His Royal Highness Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan unanimously by the four Undang under Article 10(1)(b) of the Negeri Sembilan State Constitution 1959 dated April 19, 2026, which has been duly signed and sealed;
"Therefore, in fulfilling the requirements of Article 10 (2) of the Negeri Sembilan State Constitution and for the purpose of executing the provision, I as Negeri Sembilan menteri besar, hereby append my signature below."
The customary leaders further stressed that Tuanku Muhriz had never challenged his abdication on April 19 under Article 10(2) of the state constitution in court.
‘It’s their right’
However, in a statement today, Ismail said he had taken note of the statement by the four chieftains and maintained that their views were their right.
“My focus now is to carry out my responsibilities as Negeri Sembilan menteri besar in the interests of the people and the state.
“I, together with the Negeri Sembilan government, express full support and loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan,” he said.
The conflicting statements come amid a prolonged dispute over the state’s customary institutions and the legitimacy of the April 19 proclamation seeking Tuanku Muhriz’s removal.
The crisis emerged in April when the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) convened over the position of Mubarak Thahak as Undang Luak Sungai Ujong.
On April 19, four undangs, including Mubarak, announced that they had removed Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar under Article 10(1)(b) and named Tunku Nadzaruddin as his replacement.
The state government did not recognise the declaration, triggering a dispute over its validity and the interpretation of the state constitution.
A matter for the courts
The matter was subsequently brought before the Seremban High Court through an originating summons involving six figures connected to the dispute within the DKU.
On June 5, the court granted an ad interim injunction restraining the six plaintiffs from calling or holding a DKU meeting, including a special meeting scheduled for that day, while maintaining the administrative status quo pending the proceedings.
The dispute over the customary institutions nevertheless continued.
On June 27, Faris Johari was proclaimed the 11th Undang Luak Sungai Ujong with the title Dato’ Klana Petra, while Hassan Ab Hamid was proclaimed the 22nd Undang Luak Rembau with the title Dato’ Sedia Raja.
On July 31, the DKU recognised both appointments and declared the position of Undang Luak Jelebu vacant following the acceptance by clan heirs of a decision to remove Maarof Rashad, effective May 31, 2023.
It also declared all actions taken by Maarof after that date invalid.
This led to the proclamation of Azrin Khairi as the 17th Undang Luak Jelebu on Aug 28, although the ceremony was met with protests from Dato’ Lembaga Luak Jelebu, a traditional customary leader of Jelebu, who maintained that the legitimate undang remained in office.
The latest dispute over Ismail’s alleged signature adds another layer to the constitutional and customary crisis, with the menteri besar now publicly stating that his government remains fully behind Tuanku Muhriz. - Mkini
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