N Sembilan nobles claim MB supports ruler's removal; Ismail stays loyal

Seremban, September 6 — Negeri Sembilan's Chief Minister Datuk Haji Ismail Lasim has reiterated his unwavering support and allegiance to Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir amidst a dispute over the state's royal succession. Ismail acknowledged a statement by the Undang Yang Empat, the hereditary chiefs of the principal districts of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol, and Rembau, which was published on September 5, 2026.

He emphasized that his primary focus is to execute his duties as the Chief Minister of Negeri Sembilan in the best interests of the people and the state, acknowledging that the views expressed by the Undang Yang Empat are their prerogative. In a statement on his Facebook page today, Ismail reaffirmed his loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

This declaration follows allegations by the Undang Yang Empat and Tunku Besar Tampin that Ismail had signed a proclamation on August 3, purportedly removing Tuanku Muhriz. The Undang Yang Empat contended that Ismail met with Tuanku Nadzaruddin ibni Almarhum Tuanku Jaafar on August 3 at Istana Laguna Biru in Port Dickson, where the Chief Minister supposedly signed and finalized the proclamation under Article 10(2) of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution.

They demanded the immediate enforcement of the proclamation, stating it was essential to maintain the rule of law and the supremacy of the state constitution. Ismail was inaugurated as the Chief Minister on August 2, a day after the Barisan Nasional party secured victory in the state election. The conflict originated in April when the Undang Yang Empat purportedly declared Tuanku Muhriz's removal under Article 10(1)(b) of the state constitution, naming Tunku Nadzaruddin as the new Yang di-Pertuan Besar, a decision not endorsed by the state government.

The issue proceeded to the High Court in Seremban, which on June 5 prohibited the six individuals involved from convening or holding Dewan Keadilan dan Undang meetings until the court proceedings concluded. The dispute has persisted, involving disagreements over various traditional roles, including the proclamation of Azrin Khairi as Undang Luak Jelebu on August 28, which was opposed by a faction of Datuk Lembaga Luak Jelebu.