THE dispute involving Negeri Sembilan’s customary and royal institutions must be resolved through the state constitution, Adat Perpatih and the institutions with the authority to deal with such matters, Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim said today.
He said the state government had no intention of taking over the role of customary institutions in determining the dispute.
Instead, Ismail called on all parties to seek a solution through the proper channels and in a manner that would restore harmony in the state.
“Whatever final decision is lawfully made by institutions with jurisdiction under custom and the state constitution will be respected by the state government,” he said at a press conference here.
Ismail said the state government would continue to carry out its responsibilities under the mandate given by the people, including ensuring that the administration and public services continued to function.
“The state government is not looking for a confrontation with the royal institution. We also do not want adat to become a political battleground.
“But at the same time, the dispute over adat and the institutions must not be used as an excuse to disrupt, intimidate or prevent a legitimate state government from carrying out the mandate given by the people,” he said.
He said the government also had a responsibility to safeguard the dignity of the state’s customary and royal institutions.
Turning to the current impasse, Ismail urged all parties to draw on Negeri Sembilan’s traditional values in resolving their differences.
“In facing this challenging time, we need to return to the philosophy of Negeri Sembilan itself — ‘Biar mati anak, jangan mati adat’.
“Adat must be defended, the constitution upheld, the people’s mandate respected and the institutions protected.
“Hopefully, wisdom, consensus and a sense of responsibility towards Negeri Sembilan will ultimately overcome all differences,” he said.
It is also learnt that members of the state executive council (Exco) have been barred from entering their respective offices at Wisma Negeri and from carrying out their official duties since yesterday.
Ismail confirmed the matter, saying the instruction was given verbally and that no written order had been issued.
He said the move could disrupt the state administration, particularly matters involving development, claims and assistance for the people.
“There is no court order or written directive concerning this restriction. I urge the authorities to review the matter, allow the Exco members to enter their offices and let them carry out their duties as usual. The state executive council meetings must also continue,” he said.
Meanwhile, a source close to the palace said Ismail was increasingly boxed in by the fallout, with his room for manoeuvre narrowing as criticism mounted over his handling of the crisis.
The source described the Menteri Besar as effectively “checkmated” and pushed into a corner after his government proceeded despite the sitting council having confirmed and proclaimed Tuanku Muhriz as ruler.
This has put added focus on the fact that Ismail and members of his executive council had previously sworn an oath of allegiance to Tuanku Muhriz.
The latest move has also fuelled anger over the treatment of the ruler, particularly among those who regard the government’s actions as a challenge to Negri Sembilan’s customary and royal institutions.
The issue has therefore moved beyond a dispute over adat and constitutional provisions. - September 24, 2026
