Umno wants state govt aligned with palace in Negeri Sembilan crisis

On September 17, Negeri Sembilan's chief minister Ismail Lasim ordered the gazetting of a proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the ruler of the state. Umno's support for this action may be part of a strategy to align the state government more closely with the monarchy, suggests political analyst Syaza Shukri. Shukri believes the plan to align Umno with the palace had been in place even before the Negeri Sembilan election, and Umno may have endorsed the proclamation upon coming to power.

The unexpected appointment of Ismail Lasim as chief minister might explain the initial contradiction between his stance and what was later taken by the executive council. Shukri says Umno is likely to justify its position by claiming it's protecting the royal institution, given the premise that the proclamation was already valid.

This would allow Umno to maintain its traditional role as defender of the monarchy. Umno also has a political incentive to align the state government and the palace, as they seek to project strength and stability, says Shukri. Aligning with the palace could strengthen Ismail's administration if the proclamation is upheld, but it could also make him appear vulnerable to pressure.

The wider dispute has become increasingly political, with rival factions offering different interpretations of what it means to "defend the royal institution." Ultimately, it will be up to the courts to resolve the constitutional dispute.