NEGERI Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim says he was forced to sign a document purporting to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of the state.
Ismail said he lodged a police report at about 6 pm yesterday over the document, which he said was signed without his consent and under duress.
“Referring to the issue of the Instrument of Proclamation which went viral in media reports on the night of Sept 8, I wish to clarify that I signed the instrument unwillingly and under duress,” he said in a statement today.
He said the state government also maintained that the document did not comply with the process and procedures set out under Article 10 of the Negri Sembilan Constitution 1959.
“Therefore, the document is invalid, unconstitutional and cannot be enforced,” he said.
Ismail said the state executive council meeting yesterday had, among other matters, discussed setting up a reconciliation committee to seek a peaceful and measured solution to the dispute involving adat.
He said the state government had also referred to Article 71 of the Federal Constitution, which provides constitutional protection for the rights and position of the Malay Rulers.
He said the provision required appropriate steps to be taken to ensure Tuanku Muhriz’s position and dignity as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan remained protected.
Ismail also reaffirmed his “full support and undivided loyalty” to Tuanku Muhriz, whom he described as the only legitimate and sovereign Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan.
His statement came after four Undang, including one whose position is being disputed, produced a document they claimed was a proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz from the throne.
The document, which was said to bear Ismail’s signature, was shown to reporters during a press conference at the Tuanku Ja’afar Royal Gallery on Tuesday night.
The press conference began at about 10.45 pm and was attended by Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, Abdul Rahim Yassin and Undang Luak Johol Dato’ Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Sitiawan Datuk Muhammed Abdullah. – September 9, 2026
