Negeri Sembilan deadlock a constitutional crisis, say experts

Legal analysts describe the impasse in Negeri Sembilan over the ruler's position as a constitutional crisis, citing the government's inability to reach a clear resolution. Constitutional lawyer Bastian Pius Vendargon attributes the crisis to a "serious breakdown in the normal functioning of the state government" resulting from conflicts among the Yang Dipertuan Besar, the chief minister, and the executive council.

All parties reportedly rely on the state constitution to protect their interests, according to Aziz Bari, another constitutional law expert. While the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang typically holds the final authority, it lacks enforcement power, making it merely a declaratory body. On September 17, the Attorney-General's Chambers dismissed a proclamation aiming to remove Yang Dipertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, ruling the document invalid and stating the chief minister and exco members lacked unilateral authority to remove the ruler.

In response, Tuanku Muhriz dismissed 10 exco members, citing oath violations. On September 20, Tuanku Muhriz removed these members himself. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim then met with Tuanku Muhriz. Constitutional experts urge the Conference of Rulers to convene a special session to resolve the deadlock, noting the monarchy intended as a stabilizing force is now caught in a game of power struggles.