Tuanku Muhriz remains legitimate Yamtuan, says Negeri Sembilan DKU

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — The Negeri Sembilan Judicial and Legislative Council (DKU) has declared Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir to be the rightful Yang di-Pertuan Besar of the state, emphasizing that no vacancy exists in the position and no successor has been appointed while the office remains lawfully occupied. The council dismissed the state executive council's decision made on September 16, arguing that it lacked legal standing as it purported to declare Tuanku Muhriz's removal, acknowledge a new ruler, and enforce such actions immediately.

The council maintained that such matters were beyond its authority and contradicted its own binding decisions under the Negeri Sembilan Constitution. This statement followed additional declarations issued by the state Menteri Besar on September 15 and a document titled "Keputusan Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan Bil. 6 Tahun 2026" dated September 16.

The DKU endorsed the Menteri Besar's assertion that the head of state lacked the unilateral authority to dismiss or vacate the Yang di-Pertuan Besar's office and that the April 19 proclamation's validity and impact should be resolved through lawful constitutional and legal avenues, including judicial determination. The council stated that matters concerning Malay customs, such as the election, appointment, resignation, and removal of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and Undang, fall under its purview under Article XVI of the state constitution, with its advice on these issues being final and unchallengeable in court.

The DKU deemed the April 19 proclamation invalid from the outset due to the absence of a consultation under Article X(1) of the constitution and the invalidity of three of its four signatories, who were not legally serving as Undang at the time. Moreover, the council argued that the function under Article X(2) had already been executed when the Menteri Besar at the time declined to sign the proclamation, rendering the proclamation ineffective.

The DKU reiterated that any proclamation seeking to elect a new Yang di-Pertuan Besar based on the defective foundation of the April 19 proclamation would likewise be invalid, as it was based on the same flawed foundation and signed by individuals who did not legitimately hold the office of Undang. The council emphasized that the prerogative of the Undang Yang Empat could only be exercised by individuals legally serving in the office and in accordance with the provisions and procedures outlined in the state constitution.

The current legal dispute remains pending at the Seremban High Court, with a court order in effect, urging all parties to respect the judicial process and avoid any actions that might bypass or interfere with it. The DKU reiterated that Tuanku Muhriz remains the legitimate Yang di-Pertuan Besar and Yang di-Pertua of the DKU, asserting that the Malay adat institutions in Negeri Sembilan, including those of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and Undang, do not belong to any political party or individual but serve as a trust for all members of the community and their descendants.