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

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — The Negeri Sembilan government has taken immediate action to suspend the state secretary and state legal adviser in the midst of a dispute surrounding the state's royal institution. Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim announced the decision unanimously during a special meeting of the State Executive Council (MMKN).

The two officials, State Secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim and State Legal Adviser Datuk Muzalmah Mustapha Kamal, will be replaced by Datuk Masri Razali and Fahmi Adilah respectively until new appointments are made. The Chief Secretary to the Government and the Attorney-General's Chambers will receive the suspension notices for the respective officials.

Ismail emphasized that all positions held by MMKN members remain valid and lawful, confirming that the existing Executive Council line-up continues to be effective. The issue stems from a recent escalation in the dispute over the position of Negeri Sembilan Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, who recently revoked the appointments of all 10 state executive councillors, alleging breaches of their oaths of office.

Ismail refuted these claims, asserting that the current EXCO arrangement remains valid and that the state administration will continue to function as usual, fulfilling its duties to the public to the highest standard.