NS ruler crisis won’t derail BN’s Melaka polls preparation, says Tok Mat

The Negeri Sembilan political crisis surrounding the ruler's position is not anticipated to hinder Barisan Nasional's (BN) preparations for the upcoming Melaka state election, according to Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan, also known as Tok Mat. The key to success, he emphasized, lies in the effective implementation of the party's strategies by its election machinery.

Despite drawing up a robust strategy, its success hinges on voter turnout, cautioned Tok Mat, speaking after an event in Melaka. As the former Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar, he stressed the significance of translating party plans into action on the ground to ensure that its supporters cast their votes. Since April, Negeri Sembilan has been grappling with a crisis over the ruler's position.

Four individuals claiming to be undangs (chieftains) announced the purported removal of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang Dipertuan Besar in June. Subsequently, the same undangs proclaimed Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'far as the "new" Yang Dipertuan Besar at a Melaka hotel. Last month, the state's Menteri Besar, Ismail Lasim, endorsed a statement by his executive council reaffirming Tuanku Muhriz's removal as Yang Dipertuan Besar.

Tuanku Muhriz subsequently rescinded the appointments of the entire state executive council, citing his authority in accordance with the state constitution.