Negeri Sembilan govt suspends state secretary, legal adviser amid royal row

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — The Negeri Sembilan government has suspended the state secretary and state legal adviser in response to a dispute involving the state’s royal institution. The decision was made unanimously at a special meeting of the State Executive Council. State Secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim and State Legal Adviser Datuk Muzalmah Mustapha Kamal are the two officials affected by the suspension.

During this interim period, State Financial Officer Datuk Masri Razali will oversee the state secretary's duties, while lawyer Fahmi Adilah will handle legal advisory matters until new appointees are selected by the Chief Secretary to the Government and Attorney-General’s Chambers, respectively. The suspension notices will be conveyed to the appropriate authorities.

Despite the controversy, all positions held by the MMKN members remain valid and intact, according to Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim. The ongoing dispute involves the position of Negeri Sembilan's Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz. He recently revoked the appointments of all 10 state executive councillors, citing breaches of their oaths of office; however, Ismail maintains that the current MMKN lineup is still valid and that the state administration will continue its duties as usual.