Was deposing a ruler part of your manifesto, Anwar asks Umno

Istana Besar Seri Menanti serves as the official residence of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, a position that has been queried by state executive council members. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated today that the full authority of the government apparatus will be employed to safeguard the constitutional monarchy, while criticizing the actions of the Negeri Sembilan state executive council.

Any dispute over the monarchy must be settled in compliance with the Federal Constitution and the law, Anwar declared at a Perintis Reformis reunion. The state executive council, consisting of Umno assemblymen, questioned the authority of the ruler, prompting a debate about the legitimacy of the ruler's position. Anwar questioned the inclusion of the council in deposing the ruler, as it was not part of their manifesto's promise.

He clarified that the people voted to uphold the royal system, but now reject the ruler's authority. On Sept 16, the state executive council declared Tuanku Muhriz as no longer the Yang Dipertuan Besar, replacing him with Tunku Nadzaruddin. This decision came after weeks of a power struggle, with territorial chiefs supporting Tunku Nadzaruddin as the new ruler on July 5.

However, the federal government and the then-menteri besar supported Tuanku Muhriz. On Sept 17, the Attorney-General's Chambers ruled that the executive council lacked jurisdiction, authority, or power under the Negeri Sembilan constitution to make the ruler's position announcement and that the menteri besar and state executive council did not possess the power to unilaterally remove the ruler's position.