THE return of Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir tonight comes as the state faces an unprecedented dispute over the position of its ruler.
Tuanku Muhriz is scheduled to arrive at Terminal 1 of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang at 8.30 pm.
A poster circulating on social media has called on the public and several non-governmental organisations to gather at the terminal’s fifth-floor car park to welcome and show their support for the ruler.
The gathering is said to have been organised by Profans, Waris Dato Siamang Gagap, Waris Negeri Sembilan and Pekan.
Tuanku Muhriz’s return comes after Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim confirmed today that a proclamation removing the ruler had been approved by the state executive council.
Ismail said the proclamation was discussed and unanimously endorsed by all Exco members at their meeting on Tuesday.
He said the state secretary had been instructed to proceed with the gazettement in accordance with existing regulations.
“Today, I wish to confirm that the proclamation was discussed and unanimously decided upon by all Exco members at the state executive council meeting on Tuesday.
“The gazettement process has been referred to the state secretary to proceed in accordance with existing regulations. That’s all,” he said.
The Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU), however, maintains that Tuanku Muhriz remains the legitimate Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
Its secretary, Raja Norazli Raja Nordin, said Article 16 of the Laws of the State of Negeri Sembilan 1959 places matters concerning Malay customs — including the selection, appointment, abdication and removal of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Undang — under the jurisdiction of the DKU.
He said the council’s advice on such matters was final and could not be challenged or questioned in any court.
The position puts the DKU directly at odds with the state government’s decision to endorse the proclamation and proceed with its gazettement.
Tuanku Muhriz is scheduled to perform Friday prayers at the Royal Tuanku Munawir Mosque in Seri Menanti, Kuala Pilah, tomorrow.
A solidarity gathering involving NGOs is also reportedly planned at the mosque after Friday prayers. – September 17, 2026
