THE explanation provided by Negeri Sembilan Chief Minister, Datuk Ismail Lasim, regarding the state customary crisis has yet to address various questions surrounding the situation.
The Prime Minister's Senior Political Advisor, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, said that although Ismail read out a seven-page statement, it failed to clarify his stance—particularly concerning the Instrument of Proclamation regarding the position of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
He noted that on September 9, Ismail claimed his signature on the proclamation had been obtained under duress and even lodged a police report, despite having expressed full support and loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz just days earlier, on September 6.
“On September 15, Ismail maintained that a proclamation does not automatically establish constitutional authority, and that the source of power, conditions, and procedures involved needed to be determined.
“However, the State Executive Council (Exco) meeting he chaired later that same day reportedly reached a unanimous decision that the proclamation was valid and in effect,” he said in a Facebook post.
Tengku Zafrul added that on September 16, the decision was announced, effectively stating that Tuanku Muhriz had been removed as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
Furthermore, he noted that on September 17, Ismail himself confirmed the Exco's decision and requested that the gazettement process proceed.
Tengku Zafrul stated that Ismail also needs to clarify whether he was indeed forced to sign the proclamation and, if so, who exerted that pressure.
He also questioned the factors behind the state government's change in stance and whether Ismail had been subjected to pressure during that period.
“If there was pressure to alter the stance, who was involved and whom did he meet during that time?
“What exactly changed between September 9 and 15? These fundamental matters need to be clarified first,” he said. – September 24, 2026
