Negri Sembilan govt will not gazette April 19 proclamation – state secretary office

The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) in Malaysia has declared that the Negeri Sembilan state executive council's media statement regarding the removal of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar holds no legal weight, as the members lack the necessary jurisdiction, authority, or power under the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959 to make such decisions. Furthermore, the AGC asserts that any attempt to gazette or implement the April 19, 2026 proclamation would be deemed invalid and unconstitutional.

The statement, titled "Media Statement of the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council — Decision of the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council Meeting No. 6 of 2026 (September 15, 2026)," was reviewed by the AGC. The government body maintains that the Menteri Besar and state executive council do not possess unilateral power to terminate or declare vacant the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

Instead, the AGC emphasizes that the validity and effect of the proclamation must be determined through a valid constitutional and legal process, primarily governed by the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959.

The AGC had previously stated that the April 19 proclamation was invalid due to its failure to adhere to the mandatory requirements outlined in Article 10 of the state constitution. This includes a lack of evidence confirming that any disqualifying factors under Article 10(1) applied to Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir. Furthermore, Article 10 of the constitution outlines the procedures and grounds for considering the removal of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, which have not been followed, according to the AGC.

The government body also raises concerns over the legitimacy of several Datuk-Datuk Undang who signed the proclamation. These individuals' removal from office is disputed due to their adherence to customary practices within their respective luak (local cultural groups). Consequently, the AGC argues that the composition of the Undang Yang Empat was incomplete at the relevant time.

The AGC expresses respect for the positions of the Datuk-Datuk Undang and acknowledges that their appointment and removal are subject to the customary rules within their respective luak. The state constitution, as established in 1959, grants the Dewan Undangan dan Keadilan (Perdana Cabinet) the authority to oversee matters related to Malay customs, including the selection, appointment, placement, and removal of Undang.

Under Article 16(3) of the constitution, the Dewan's advice on such matters is considered final and cannot be contested or challenged in any court.

The AGC is currently aware of the matter being heard in the High Court of Malaya in Seremban, with an interlocutory injunction in place. The government body urges all parties to respect the court process and allow the resolution of the matter in an orderly manner.