{
  "id": 9121509,
  "title": "Do not usurp the constitutional function of the DKU — Hafiz Hassan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/do-not-usurp-the-constitutional-function-of-the-dku-hafiz-hassan",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T10:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2026/09/22/do-not-usurp-the-constitutional-function-of-the-dku-hafiz-hassan/236124"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Four months ago, I remarked that the constitutional body to address disputes in Negeri Sembilan already existed. That entity is the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU), established by Article 16 of Chapter 6 of Part 1 of the state's constitution. As I explained, the State of Negeri Sembilan is distinct among Malaysia's states, as it features two parts to its constitution, agreed upon by various local leaders. The first part, unlike others, \"constitutionalizes\" traditional Malay customs and their ruling structure. Chapter 6 of this part specifically outlines the role of the DKU, a council advising on Malay customary matters, including elections, succession, and removal of the Ruling Chiefs. The DKU's authority was affirmed by the Federal Court in a 1981 case, ruling that it could advise on such matters and that courts should not attempt to take its place. In a 1998 case, the Melaka High Court echoed this sentiment, stating that the civil court was not the right forum for customary succession matters. The DKU has now declared Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the legitimate Yang di-Pertuan Besar, emphasizing that no vacancy exists in this position. The writer emphasizes that the State Constitution's decision should be respected, and the DKU's function should not be usurped.",
  "summary": "SEPTEMBER 22 — Four months ago, I wrote that there is already a constitutional body to solve the constitutional di...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}