NEGERI Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has withdrawn his earlier objection to Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir’s position as Yang di-Pertuan Besar, marking a significant development in the state’s ongoing royal dispute.
In a letter dated Nov 10, Ismail withdrew the contents of his Sept 17 letter, citing the statement issued by the Conference of Rulers on Oct 14 and the Seremban High Court order dated June 5.
It is learnt that Ismail met Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad earlier this week and handed over the letter.
In the letter, Ismail said his decision was made in accordance with the Negri Sembilan Constitution 1959, with the aim of upholding the institution of the monarchy and ensuring the state administration continued in an orderly manner.
He is also expected to seek an audience with Tuanku Muhriz to pledge his allegiance and obtain the ruler’s consent for the state legislative assembly to reconvene.
The assembly sitting, initially scheduled for mid-October, was postponed and subsequently fixed for Nov 26.
Ismail had previously said he was confident the dispute involving the palace would be resolved soon. He also confirmed that the matter had been discussed at both state and national Umno leadership levels, but declined to elaborate.
The letter was signed by Ismail and co-signed by all 10 former exco members: Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli, Datuk Zaifulbahri Idris, Datuk Mustapha Nagoor, Siow Kong Choon, Siti Nur Umaira Hasim, Datuk Mohd Asna Amin, Datuk Mohd Razi Mohd Ali, Suhaimizan Bizar, Mohd Fairuz Mohd Isa and Datuk Razali Abu Samah.
Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had similarly expressed hope that the impasse could be resolved through cooperation among the parties involved, as demonstrated during the formation of the state government. - November 14, 2026
