AGC: Exco statement has no legal effect, move to gazette or implement proclamation on N. Sembilan Yamtuan’s removal invalid, unconstitutional

The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) has declared that the Negeri Sembilan state executive council's statement regarding the removal of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar has no legal effect, as the council members lack the jurisdiction and authority under the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959 to make such decisions. The AGC further stated that any attempt to gazette or implement a proclamation related to the removal would be invalid and unconstitutional.

The proclamation's validity and effect must be determined through a legitimate constitutional and legal process, primarily in accordance with the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959. The AGC previously concluded that the April 19, 2026 proclamation was invalid as it did not meet the mandatory requirements under Article 10 of the state constitution, particularly due to the absence of evidence supporting the disqualifying factors listed under Article 10(1) for Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

The AGC highlighted that while the Datuk-Datuk Undang have the power to remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, they must follow the prescribed procedures and grounds outlined in Article 10. At present, there is no evidence indicating that these procedures have been complied with. Additionally, there is a dispute over the legal standing of some Datuk-Datuk Undang who signed the proclamation, as their removal was carried out according to customary practices within their respective luak.

Consequently, the composition of the Undang Yang Empat was incomplete at the time of the proclamation. The AGC respects the position of the Datuk-Datuk Undang but acknowledges that customary rules of their respective luak govern their appointment and removal. The 1959 state constitution also establishes the Dewan Undangan dan Keadilan, with Article 16 granting the Dewan the authority to advise on Malay customs, including the selection, appointment, placement, and removal of Undang, and its advice is deemed final and unchallengeable in any court.

The AGC further informed that a High Court injunction remains in place, urging all parties to uphold the court process and allow the matter to be resolved in an orderly manner.