THE dispute over the position of Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan has intensified, with the Undang Yang Empat producing a letter they said was signed by Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim confirming a proclamation to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
The disclosure was made at a press conference late Tuesday attended by Undang Luak Jelebu Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, Undang Luak Johol Datuk Muhammed Abdullah and Undang Luak Rembau Abdul Rahim Yasin.
Maarof said all procedures had been fulfilled and expressed hope that the proclamation would take immediate effect.
“The Undang Yang Empat of Negeri Sembilan, dated tonight, Sept 8, 2026, wish to emphasise that Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir shall immediately cease exercising the functions of sovereign authority as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.
“We are pleased to inform that Datuk Ismail Lasim appeared before the legitimate Ruler of Negeri Sembilan under the State Constitution, Tuanku Nadzaruddin ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, and the Ruling Chiefs of Negeri Sembilan on Aug 3,” he said.
Maarof said Ismail had signed a document during the audience confirming Tuanku Muhriz’s removal from the throne.
The Undang Yang Empat had on Sept 5 disclosed a proclamation concerning Tuanku Muhriz’s removal, which they claimed had been signed by Ismail.
However, Ismail the following day expressed his full support and loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan.
Ismail also denied allegations that UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was involved in any effort to remove Tuanku Muhriz.
He said he had always supported Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, as well as the entire UMNO leadership, which he said upheld the institution of the Malay Rulers and the principles of constitutional monarchy.
“Referring to the report published by The Straits Times dated Sept 8, 2026, I wish to deny allegations of the involvement of UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in any effort to remove His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.
“I have always supported the UMNO president and the entire party leadership, which has consistently upheld, defended and safeguarded the sanctity of the institution of the Malay Rulers and the principles of constitutional monarchy,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Ismail also expressed hope that the issue involving Negeri Sembilan’s customary affairs could be resolved properly, with wisdom and in accordance with the law.
He said this was important to safeguard the stability, harmony and wellbeing of the people of Negeri Sembilan.
His statement followed a report by The Straits Times alleging that several senior UMNO leaders, including Zahid, had attended a meeting involving Ismail, Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Jaafar and the Undang Yang Empat at Istana Laguna Biru in Port Dickson on Aug 3.
Ismail was also alleged to have signed the proclamation concerning Tuanku Muhriz’s removal during the meeting.
He said his focus was now on carrying out his responsibilities as Menteri Besar for the benefit of the people and the state. - September 9, 2026
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