31 August 2026, Monday: Tuanku Muhriz presided over the state-level National Day celebration as Yang di-Pertuan Besar, received on arrival by Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim, at an event attended by more than 30,000 attendees (Bernama, 31 August 2026).

4 September 2026, Friday: The UMNO Negeri Sembilan liaison body (BPUNS) held its meeting Bil 2/2026. In a statement dated the following day, it pressed for a Special Committee (Jawatankuasa Khas) to be established to resolve adat matters in the state, in what it described as accordance with proper adat procedure (UMNO Negeri Sembilan media statement, 5 September 2026). This proposal can be read two ways: as a route toward resolving the succession questions through custom, or as a means of moving those questions onto a political body and away from the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU), whose role in advising on questions of Malay custom sits under Article 16.

5 September 2026, Saturday: The Undang Yang Empat¹ camp, together with the Tunku Besar Tampin and the removed Dato’ Shahbandar Sungei Ujong, issued a media statement claiming that Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim signed the proclamation required by Article 10(2) on 3 August 2026. The statement also alleged that the Undang Yang Empat’s¹ agreement to remove Tuanku Muhriz was constitutionally complete on 19 April 2026 and directed the State Secretary and the state administration to comply with the proclamation immediately. The signed proclamation was not published with the statement (Malaysiakini, 6 September 2026).

6 September 2026, Sunday: Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim responded in a media statement. He described the group’s views as “hak mereka” (their right), before reaffirming the taat setia (loyalty) of himself and the State Government to Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar. The statement did not say whether he had signed the 3 August proclamation (Malay Mail, 6 September 2026).

What we are watching for

Ongoing: Whether the alleged 3 August proclamation is produced, and whether the DKU or the state administration responds to the 5 September statement’s instruction to the State Secretary and the state administration to act on the proclamation at once.

On the horizon: Court proceedings resume later in the month:

• 28 September 2026: Case management before the Seremban High Court in the contempt proceedings, where the DKU and its secretary are seeking to have six individuals cited for contempt.

• 7 October 2026: Parties in WA-25-201-07/2026 return before Judge Norliza Othman to state whether the judicial review continues in Kuala Lumpur or moves to Seremban. The pending intervention applications stand over to the same date.

• 19 October 2026: The Court of Appeal’s next date in the six’s appeal against the grant of leave for contempt proceedings.

New posts written by this publication last week

• Did the Menteri Besar Sign the Proclamation to Remove Tuanku Muhriz on 3 August?

Footnote:

¹ This publication uses the term “Undang Yang Empat” to refer to the four chieftains who signed the 19 April declaration. Mubarak Dohak ceased to hold office as Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong with effect from 13 May 2025, a removal the DKU acknowledged on 17 April 2026. On 31 July 2026 the DKU further acknowledged that Maarof Mat Rashad had been removed as Undang of Luak Jelebu with effect from 31 May 2023, and that the appointment of Abdul Rahim Yasin as Undang of Luak Rembau was never completed. Removal of an Undang is a customary act of the Luak, which the DKU acknowledges under Article 16 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959; under Article 16(3), the DKU’s advice on such questions is final and cannot be challenged in any court.

Sources:

• The Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959

• Lebih 30,000 pengunjung hadir meriahkan Sambutan Hari Kebangsaan Negeri Sembilan (Bernama, 31 August 2026)

• UMNO Negeri Sembilan Liaison Body media statement, 5 September 2026

• Empat Undang dakwa MB tandatangani proklamasi turunkan Tuanku Muhriz (Malaysiakini, 6 September 2026)

• Negeri Sembilan MB Ismail Lasim stands by Tuanku Muhriz amid fresh royal succession claim (Malay Mail, 6 September 2026)

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Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

For weeks, the visible position had appeared relatively stable. Tuanku Muhriz continued to perform the functions of Yang di-Pertuan Besar, including at the State-level Maulidur Rasul (Berita Harian, 25 August 2026) and National Day celebrations (Bernama, 31 August 2026). The State Government continued to participate in official functions under his reign.

Then came one statement, and the confusion returned.

On 5 September 2026, the group challenging Tuanku Muhriz issued a media statement. This time, it made a specific new claim: Menteri Besar (MB) Ismail Lasim signed the proclamation required by Article 10(2) of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959 to depose Tuanku Muhriz on 3 August.

Translation

Pages 1 and 2, signatories (with seals affixed):

• YTM Dato’ Klana Petra, Dato’ Haji Mubarak bin Thahak, Undang Luak Sungei Ujong

• YTM Dato’ Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman, Dato’ Maarof bin Haji Mat Rashad, Undang Luak Jelebu

• YTM Dato’ Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Sitiawan, Dato’ Muhammed bin Haji Abdullah, Undang Luak Johol

• YTM Dato’ Sedia Raja, Dato’ Haji Abdul Rahim bin Haji Yasin, Undang Luak Rembau

• YTM Tunku Syed Razman ibni Almarhum Tunku Syed Idrus Al-Qadri, Tunku Besar Tampin

• YAM Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Badarudin bin Abd Khalid, Dato’ Shahbandar Sungei Ujong

Page 3:

The lawful Ruling King of Negeri Sembilan under the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan (UUTKNS), DYMM Tuanku Nadzaruddin ibni Almarhum Tuanku Jaafar, together with the Ruling Chiefs of Negeri Sembilan, namely YTM Maarof (Undang Luak Jelebu), YTM Mohammed (Undang Luak Johol), YTM Abdul Rahim (Undang Luak Rembau) and YTM Tunku Syed Razman (Tunku Besar Tampin), together with YAM Badaruddin (Dato’ Shahbandar Sungei Ujong), received the audience of YB Dato’ Ismail bin Lasim on 3 August 2026 at Istana Laguna Biru, Port Dickson, for him to be assented to as Menteri Besar.

At that audience, YAB Dato’ Ismail bin Lasim also signed and completed the instrument of proclamation under Article 10(2) UUTKNS, in accordance with his constitutional duty, before the Ruling King of Negeri Sembilan and the invited guests present, at a brief ceremony that closed with a doa selamat (prayer of well-being).

Page 4:

All four Undang Yang Empat have signed the Proclamation under Article 10(2) UUTKNS, together with affixing their respective seals, on 19 April 2026, to declare the removal from the throne (penurunan takhta) of Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir.

The Proclamation signed by the Menteri Besar on 3 August 2026 reads:

“WHEREAS, with reference to the Decree of Declaration of Dismissal (Sabda Pengisytiharan Pemecatan) of Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir as Duli Yang Maha Mulia Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, made unanimously by the Yang Teramat Mulia Undang Yang Empat under Article 10(1)(b) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, dated the 19th day of April 2026, which has been duly signed and sealed with the seals affixed thereon;

NOW THEREFORE, in fulfilment of the requirements of Article 10(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, and for the purpose of carrying out that provision, I, as Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, hereby affix my signature as below.”

In order to explain the crisis that has occurred, it is affirmed that the former Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir has never challenged the completeness of his removal from the throne on 19 April 2026 under Article 10(2) UUTKNS in Court.

Page 5:

Further, it must be explained here that the DKU meeting on 31 July 2026 is invalid, because it was convened by the former Yang di-Pertuan Besar, without the attendance of the four Undang confirmed under Article 16(3) UUTKNS in the official record as at 30 July 2026, and without the Tunku Besar Tampin and the Dato’ Shahbandar Sungei Ujong.

Accordingly, the consensus (kemuafakatan) of the four Undang to exercise the prerogative under Article 10(2) UUTKNS on 19 April 2026 to remove Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir is complete under the law of the Constitution.

Further, with the affixing of the signature of the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan on 3 August 2026 to the Proclamation made on 19 April 2026, the four Undang and the Tunku Besar Tampin resolve that this Proclamation must be enforced immediately, in order to preserve the sovereignty of the law (kedaulatan undang-undang) and the supremacy of the Constitution (keluhuran Perlembagaan).

Therefore, the State Secretary of Negeri Sembilan and all members of the administration of the Government of Negeri Sembilan are commanded (disabdakan) to comply with the said proclamation immediately and to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution wholeheartedly (tanpa berbelah bahagi).

That is all (Sekian).

The group claimed that Ismail met Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Jaafar and its members at Istana Laguna Biru in Port Dickson, where he added his signature to a proclamation previously signed and sealed by the four purported Undangs on 19 April (Malaysiakini, 6 September 2026).

The signed proclamation was not published.

There are three immediate problems with the account.

1. Authority: Were the signatories valid Undangs on 3 August?

The first problem comes before the Menteri Besar’s signature.

Article 10(2) requires a proclamation under the hands of the Undangs and the MB. According to the advice of the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU), three of the four people claiming to exercise those powers did not hold office as Undangs on 3 August.

Mubarak Dohak had ceased to hold office as Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong following his removal according to Luak custom. The DKU subsequently acknowledged that Maarof Mat Rashad had been removed as Undang of Luak Jelebu and advised that Abdul Rahim Yasin’s appointment as Undang of Luak Rembau had never been completed (Malay Mail, 1 August 2026).

Badarudin Abdul Khalid, who joined the 5 September statement as Dato’ Shahbandar Sungei Ujong, had also been removed according to Luak custom with effect from 30 July.

Yet the latest statement continues to use those disputed official titles, with the seals of the four Undangs affixed to the purported proclamation.

That takes the dispute beyond competing interpretations of Article 10. It raises the more basic question of who possessed the authority to exercise the offices whose constitutional powers were supposedly being used.

2. Existence: Does the proclamation exist and has it been produced?

There is another consequence to the latest statement. The more specific the Undang camp becomes, the more of its account can be tested against the documentary record.

The group places Ismail Lasim at Istana Laguna Biru on 3 August and says he signed a proclamation already bearing the four Undang seals. It also reproduces the wording attributed to his signature. Greater specificity should make the account easier to verify.

At the time of the 5 September statement, no signed proclamation had been produced. On 8 September, the “Undang” camp produced a signed statement (see update below), but its authenticity is unverified and contested.

On 6 September, the Menteri Besar responded with a media statement posted on his Facebook page, that has drawn more than 1,000 comments by the time of writing. Curiously, Ismail neither confirmed nor denied signing the document. He described the group’s views as “hak mereka” (their right), before reaffirming the taat setia (loyalty) of himself and the State Government to Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

Translation

MEDIA STATEMENT
MENTERI BESAR OF NEGERI SEMBILAN

I take note of the media statement of the YTM Undang Yang Empat dated 5 September 2026.

Whatever the views of the YTM Undang Yang Empat, that is their right. My focus now is to carry out the trust (amanah) of the office of Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan for the good of the people and the state.

I, together with the State Government, express full support and loyalty (taat setia) to DYMM Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir as Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

YAB Dato’ Haji Ismail bin Lasim
Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan
Sunday, 6 September 2026

The statement leaves the alleged signature unresolved, and it sets the Menteri Besar's own position against the group's account. The group says his signature on 3 August made the proclamation enforceable; yet the same Menteri Besar continues, as of that statement, publicly to recognise Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

3. Validity: Would a signed proclamation settle the question?

It must be noted that even if the proclamation is produced and Ismail’s signature is authenticated, questions would remain over the compliance with the Article 10(1) process and whether the proclamation was validly issued under Article 10(2).

Update, 9 September 2026

Since publication, the dispute has moved quickly. What follows sets out the developments through 9 September, in the order they occurred.

The Straits Times reported, citing legal and government sources, that Ismail claims he signed the proclamation under duress. The newspaper said that Ismail filed a police report on 8 September stating that he had been coerced into signing and prevented from leaving the meeting until he did so. It also reports that senior UMNO figures were present at the 3 August meeting (Straits Times, 8 September 2026).

It is worth recalling that UMNO withdrew support from the previous Menteri Besar after he declined to sign the 19 April proclamation, on the stated ground that politicians should not interfere in matters of adat. The reported presence of senior UMNO figures at the 3 August meeting raises an obvious question about where that principle now sits.

Menteri Besar issues a second statement

Later that same day, the Menteri Besar issued a further statement denying the involvement of UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in any effort to remove Tuanku Muhriz, and affirming his support for the party leadership. The statement did not address whether he had signed the 3 August proclamation or ST’s report that he claimed to have signed it under duress.

Translation

MEDIA STATEMENT
MENTERI BESAR OF NEGERI SEMBILAN

With reference to the report published by The Straits Times dated 8 September 2026, I wish to deny the allegation of the involvement of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, President of UMNO, in any effort to remove Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir as Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

I have always supported the President of UMNO and the entire party leadership, who consistently uphold, defend and preserve the sanctity of the institution of the Malay Rulers and the principle of the Constitutional Ruler (Raja Berperlembagaan).

I hope the issues involving Adat in Negeri Sembilan can be resolved well, with wisdom, and in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the stability, harmony and wellbeing of the people of Negeri Sembilan.

YAB Dato’ Haji Ismail bin Lasim
Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan
Tuesday, 8 September 2026

The purported signed 3 August proclamation

On the night of 8 September, the “Undang” camp produced the document itself, at a press conference fronted by three of the signatories, Maarof Mat Rashad, Muhammed Abdullah and Abdul Rahim Yasin. They displayed a letter they say was signed by the Menteri Besar confirming the proclamation to remove Tuanku Muhriz, with Maarof stating that all procedures had been fulfilled (The Vibes, 9 September 2026). This publication has not independently verified the document, and the Menteri Besar has filed a police report alleging that any signature was given under duress. These matters are now before the police and, potentially, the courts.

Translation

ARTICLE 10
CONSTITUTION OF NEGERI SEMBILAN 1959
PROCLAMATION OF DISMISSAL
OF DULI YANG MAHA MULIA THE YANG DI-PERTUAN BESAR OF NEGERI SEMBILAN
TUANKU MUHRIZ IBNI ALMARHUM TUANKU MUNAWIR
(SIGNATURE OF THE MENTERI BESAR OF NEGERI SEMBILAN)

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace upon the leader of the Messengers and upon all his family and companions.

WHEREAS, with reference to the Decree of Dismissal (Sabda Pengisytiharan Pemecatan) of Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir as Duli Yang Maha Mulia the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, made unanimously by the Yang Teramat Mulia Undang Yang Empat under Article 10(1)(b) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, dated the 19th day of April 2026, which has been duly signed and sealed with the seals affixed thereon;

NOW THEREFORE, in fulfilment of the requirements of Article 10(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, and for the purpose of carrying out that provision, I, as Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, hereby affix my signature as below.

That is all (Sekian).

[signature]
YAB Dato’ Haji Ismail bin Lasim
Menteri Besar
Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus
Date: 03 AUG 2026

Menteri Besar issues a third statement

On 9 September, the Menteri Besar issued a third statement He stated explicitly that the 3 August proclamation was signed “tanpa rela hati dan secara paksaan” (without free will and under duress), and said the police report was lodged at around 6pm on 8 September.

Translation

MEDIA STATEMENT
MENTERI BESAR OF NEGERI SEMBILAN

Referring to the issue of the Proclamation Instrument document (”the said Instrument”) that circulated in a media statement on the night of 8 September 2026, I wish to clarify that the said Instrument was signed by me without free will and under duress (paksaan). I lodged a police report at around 6pm on 8 September 2026 to enable an investigation to be carried out by the authorities.

The State Government’s position is that the said Instrument does not fulfil the process and procedure provided under Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959. It is therefore invalid, unconstitutional, and unenforceable.

Further, the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council Meeting No. 5 of 2026, which sat on 8 September 2026, also discussed, among other things, the establishment of a Reconciliation Committee (Jawatankuasa Pendamai) as a channel to seek a resolution of the adat issue in a harmonious, measured manner grounded in the spirit of muafakat (consensus).

At the same time, the State Government also refers to Article 71 of the Federal Constitution, which provides that the Federation guarantees the rights and position of the Ruler under the Constitution and must take appropriate steps to ensure that the dignity and position of His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir as Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan continues to be preserved.

I once again declare my full support and undivided loyalty to His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir as the only lawful and sovereign Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

YAB Dato’ Haji Ismail bin Lasim
Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan

What this means

The Menteri Besar's account shifts the live question from whether he signed the 3 August document to the circumstances under which the signature was obtained, a question now before the police.

His own statement adds a constitutional claim of its own: that the document fails Article 10 regardless of the duress question, and that Article 71 of the Federal Constitution obliges the Federation to protect Tuanku Muhriz’s position.

The proposed Reconciliation Committee raises its own question. Advice on matters of Malay custom, including the removal of a Ruling Chief, sits constitutionally with the DKU under Article 16. The Committee was proposed by the State Executive Council, not the DKU. Given the reported presence of senior UMNO figures at the 3 August signing, whether the Committee is intended to work alongside the DKU or to give the State Government a separate channel over adat matters is a separate question.

The institutional position remains unchanged. Tuanku Muhriz continues to function as Yang di-Pertuan Besar, the Menteri Besar and State Government have pledged their loyalty to him, and the Attorney-General's advice that the April removal was unconstitutional still stands.

Related Posts:

If you are new to this Substack and are not sure where to begin, visit our Start Here page, where we list all our articles organised by theme.

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Sources:

• The Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959

• Negeri Sembilan confirms two Undang appointments, declares three other claimants invalid (Malay Mail, 1 August 2026)

• Negri DKU recognises new Sungai Ujong, Rembau ruling chiefs, declares Jelebu office vacant (The Star, 1 August 2026)

• DKU, secretary seek to intervene in Negeri Sembilan ruler removal case (FMT, 10 August 2026)

• Fahami, hayati Rukun Negara dalam kehidupan bermasyarakat (Berita Harian, 25 August 2026)

• Lebih 30,000 pengunjung hadir meriahkan Sambutan Hari Kebangsaan Negeri Sembilan (Bernama, 31 August 2026)

• Empat Undang dakwa MB tandatangani proklamasi turunkan Tuanku Muhriz (Malaysiakini, 6 September 2026)

• N Sembilan nobles claim MB supports ruler’s removal; Ismail stays loyal (Malaysiakini, 6 September 2026)

• Negeri Sembilan govt, MB affirm full loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz (Free Malaysia Today, 6 September 2026)

• Negeri Sembilan MB Ismail Lasim stands by Tuanku Muhriz amid fresh royal succession claim (Malay Mail, 6 September 2026)

• Negri Sembilan govt pledges allegiance to Tuanku Muhriz, MB says (New Straits Times, 6 September 2026)

• UMNO now backs contender to Negeri Sembilan throne in twist to royal saga (Straits Times, 8 September 2026)

Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

24 August 2026, Monday: The Seremban High Court dismissed both of the state government’s applications to evict the occupants of the Balai Undang (the Undang’s official hall) and official residences of Rembau and Sungei Ujong. Judge Roz Mawar Rozain held that “Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan” lacked locus standi (legal standing), since Section 16 of the National Land Code requires such proceedings to be brought by the State Director of Lands and Mines over what is gazetted reserve land. She recorded that the ruling gives neither occupant, Abdul Rahim Yasin at Rembau or the removed Undang of Sungei Ujong, Mubarak Dohak, any right to remain, and does not decide who holds either chieftainship. The applications were dismissed without prejudice, leaving the proper claimant free to refile, with RM25,000 in costs on each suit (Free Malaysia Today, 24 August 2026, The Star, 24 August 2026).

25 August 2026, Tuesday: At the state-level Maulidur Rasul 1448H celebration at Padang Majlis Bandaraya Seremban, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, delivered a titah (royal address) reminding those present to uphold the Rukun Negara (National Principles), and highlighting the Keluhuran Perlembagaan (Supremacy of the Constitution) and the Kedaulatan Undang-Undang (Rule of Law). His Highness said that society should respect the Constitution as the supreme law of the country, and that adherence to religion and respect for adat should be strengthened as foundations of character and civilisation (Berita Harian, 25 August 2026, Utusan Malaysia, 26 August 2026).

28 August 2026, Thursday: Azrin Khairi, a senior general manager at Telekom Malaysia in Pahang, was appointed and proclaimed the 17th Undang of Jelebu at a ceremony at the Telapak Anak Waris Perut Ulu Jelebu, Kuala Klawang. The declaration was made by Ismail Mohd Zin, reported to be acting in the authority of the customary title Dato’ Menteri Sah Mangku Alam Raja Sehari, the office that by Jelebu custom proclaims the Undang. Berita Harian and the New Straits Times describe a formal and customary rite, while Utusan Malaysia reports that a delegation from the Jelebu Luak customary board, led by its secretary Mohd Fadzil Abdul Ghani, arrived to object, contending that the established customary lineage still stands and that the person making the proclamation no longer holds the proclaiming office. The event proceeded without incident (Utusan Malaysia, 29 August 2026, Berita Harian, 29 August 2026, New Straits Times, 29 August 2026).

The proclamation follows the removal of Maarof Mat Rashad as the 16th Undang Luak Jelebu under Luak custom, backdated to 31 May 2023, which the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) acknowledged on 31 July. Next, the DKU must acknowledge the appointment and the state government must formally recognise it, before the installation is official.

What we are watching for

28 September 2026: Case management before the Seremban High Court in the contempt proceedings, where the DKU and its secretary are seeking to have six individuals cited for contempt.

7 October 2026: Parties in WA-25-201-07/2026 return before Judge Norliza Othman to state whether the judicial review continues in Kuala Lumpur or moves to Seremban. The pending intervention applications stand over to the same date.

19 October 2026: The Court of Appeal’s next date in the six’s appeal against the grant of leave for contempt proceedings.

Sources:

• Court rejects bid to vacate residences, halls of Rembau, Sungei Ujong undangs (Free Malaysia Today, 24 August 2026)

• High Court dismisses Negri govt’s bid to evict Undang from official halls, residences (The Star, 24 August 2026)

• Fahami, hayati Rukun Negara dalam kehidupan bermasyarakat - Tuanku Muhriz (Berita Harian, 25 August 2026)

• Tok Batin Luak Johol beri amaran usah gugat kedudukan Undang Johol (Malaysiakini, 25 August 2026)

• Ketepikan sengketa (Utusan Malaysia, 26 August 2026)

• Azrin diisytihar Undang Luak Jelebu ke-17 (Utusan Malaysia, 29 August 2026)

• Azrin Khairi dimasyhurkan secara rasmi Undang Luak Jelebu ke-17 (Berita Harian, 29 August 2026)

• Azrin Khairi proclaimed 17th Undang of Luak Jelebu (New Straits Times, 29 August 2026)

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Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

18 August 2026, Tuesday: The First (Special) Sitting of the 16th Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) convened at Wisma Negeri, Seremban. The assemblymen were formally sworn in, and UMNO’s Datuk Seri Dr Awaludin Said was elected Speaker. Kamarol Ridzuan Mohd Zain, of PAS and the Perikatan Nasional bloc, was elected Deputy Speaker. The State Legislative Assembly now comprises 18 Barisan Nasional, 11 Pakatan Harapan and seven Perikatan Nasional members, with the BN-PN coalition holding two thirds majority (FMT, 18 August 2026, The Star, 18 August 2026).

18 August 2026, Tuesday: At the Seremban High Court, Judge Roz Mawar Rozain heard submissions in the originating summonses filed by the Negeri Sembilan state government seeking eviction orders for the Balai Undang (the official hall of an Undang) and residences of the Undang of Rembau and the Undang of Sungei Ujong, and fixed 24 August 2026 for her decision, to be delivered at 4pm over Zoom. The state government argued that it is the lawful owner of the premises, that the land is gazetted as public reserve under Section 62 of the National Land Code, that eviction notices were served on 29 April and 29 June, and that it had been unable to access the premises for close to 50 days. Counsel also pointed to a Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) notice dated 1 August 2026 as settling the question of the rightful holder of the Undang Luak Rembau title. (The Star, 18 August 2026).

Commentary worth reading

Commentary was sparse this week, with the livelier activity on Facebook and TikTok. Accounts backing the removed Undangs and Tunku Nadzaruddin’s succession claim continue to press their case, questioning the validity of the 31 July DKU sitting and the standing of the current chieftains. This publication treats such posts as social media sentiment: illustrative of one camp’s position, rather than as resolving the constitutional and legal questions that remain in dispute.

What we are watching for

24 August 2026, Monday: Judge Roz Mawar Rozain is scheduled to deliver her decision on the state government’s eviction summonses concerning the Balai Undang and residences of Rembau and Sungei Ujong, at 4pm over Zoom.

28 September 2026: Case management before the Seremban High Court in the contempt proceedings, where the DKU and its secretary are seeking to have six individuals cited for contempt.

7 October 2026, Wednesday: Parties in WA-25-201-07/2026 return before Judge Norliza Othman to state whether the judicial review continues in Kuala Lumpur or moves to Seremban. The pending intervention applications stand over to the same date.

19 October 2026: The Court of Appeal’s next date in the six’s appeal against the grant of leave for contempt proceedings.

New posts written by this publication last week

• How Was Tunku Nadzaruddin Presented as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar After 5 June?

Two new posts in the Reference Library were published, where we explain the key Articles in the Negeri Sembilan Constitution1959.

• What is Article 35? - Executive Authority of the “Ruler”

• What is Article 40? - Advice and the Seven Discretionary Functions of the “Ruler”

With Articles 35 and 40 now added, this completes our current set of explainers on the key provisions of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959 relevant to the present constitutional context. If there is another Article you would like us to cover, send us a DM on X or Substack.

Sources:

• Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959

• Eviction ruling on Undang Rembau, Sungei Ujong official residences set for Aug 24 (The Star, 18 August 2026)

• Paroi assemblyman appointed new Negri deputy Speaker (The Star, 18 August 2026)

• Umno’s Awaludin returns as Negeri Sembilan assembly speaker (FMT, 18 August 2026)

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Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

Article 40 sits in Chapter 2 of the Second Part of the Constitution, which deals with the Executive.

Article 35 establishes the basic structure: executive authority is vested in the “Ruler”, but may be exercised by His Highness or by the State Executive Council.

Article 40 then supplies the next part of the machinery by determining when the Ruler must act on advice and identifying seven State constitutional functions in which the Ruler may act in discretion.

For the Second Part generally, Article 28(1) defines the Ruler as His Highness together with the Ruling Chiefs who are available and holding office at the material time. Under Article 34, “His Highness” means the Yang di-Pertuan Besar elected by the Undangs in accordance with Article 7. Ruling Chiefs are defined as the four Undangs of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol and Rembau together with the Tunku Besar Tampin.

However, for the seven discretionary functions in Article 40(2), Article 28(2) substitutes a more specific composition consisting of His Highness together with at least three of the four Undangs. If only three Undangs are in office at the time, the threshold drops to at least two of them.

What each clause means

Article 40(1): the general rule of Executive Council advice

(1) In the exercise of His functions under the Constitution of the State or any law or as a member of the Conference of Rulers the Ruler shall act in accordance with the advice of the Executive Council or of a member thereof acting under the general authority of the Council, except as otherwise provided by the Federal Constitution or the State Constitution; but shall be entitled, at His request, to any information concerning the government of the State which is available to the Executive Council.

Where the Ruler exercises a function, they shall act under the advice of the State Executive Council (Exco or the state cabinet). Under Article 38, it consists of the Menteri Besar and up to ten other members appointed from the elected Legislative Assembly.

The rule gives way where the Federal Constitution or the Negeri Sembilan Constitution provides a different arrangement.

The second half of Article 40(1) gives the Ruler a corresponding right to information. On request, the Ruler is entitled to information concerning the government of the State that is available to the Executive Council.

Article 40(1A): when advice is binding

(1A) Where in the exercise of his functions under this Constitution or any law or as a member of the Conference of Rulers, the Ruler is to act in accordance with the advice or on the advice of any person or body of persons, the Ruler shall accept and act in accordance with such advice.

Where the Constitution or another law requires the Ruler to act on the advice of a person or body, that advice is binding.

For example, Article 38(2)(b) requires the Ruler to appoint the other members of the State Executive Council on the advice of the Menteri Besar. Once that advice is given, Article 40(1A) requires the Ruler to accept and act in accordance with it.

Article 40(2): the seven discretionary functions

(2) The Ruler may act in His discretion in the performance of the following functions (in addition to those in the performance of which He may act in His discretion under the Federal Constitution) that is to say:

(a) the appointment of a Menteri Besar;

(b) the withholding of consent to a request for the dissolution of the Legislatively (sic) Assembly;

(c) the making of a request for a meeting of the Conference of Rulers concerned solely with the privileges, position, honours and dignities of Their Highnesses or religious acts, observances or ceremonies;

(d) any function as Head of the Muslim religion or relating to the custom of the Malays;

(e) the appointment of persons to Malay customary designation of the functions appertaining thereto;

(f) the appointment of Regent or Council of Regency;

(g) the regulation of royal courts and palaces.

This clause identifies the seven specific functions where the Ruler may act in discretion. These seven functions are additional to any functions in which the Ruler may act in discretion under the Federal Constitution.

For Article 40(2), Article 28(2) provides a special definition of the “Ruler”: His Highness together with at least three of the four Undangs. Where only three Undangs hold office, His Highness must act with at least two of them.

This is narrower than the “Ruler” definition in Article 28(1) and excludes the Tunku Besar Tampin from the composition of the Ruler.

Article 28(2) contains two exceptions. His Highness may act alone under Article 40(2)(f) when appointing a Regent or Council of Regency where the appointment does not affect the prerogatives, powers and jurisdiction of the Ruling Chiefs in their respective territories. His Highness may also act alone under Article 40(2)(g) in regulating the royal courts and palaces.

And yes, there is a typo in the Constitution, “Legislatively Assembly”!

Article 40(3): State law may require additional consultation

(3) State law may make provision for requiring the Ruler to act after consultation with or on the recommendation of any person or body of persons other than the Executive Council in the exercise of any of His functions other than:

(a) functions exercisable in His discretion;

(b) functions with respect to the exercise of which provision is made in the State Constitution or the Federal Constitution.

Article 40(3) allows State law to add a further requirement for consultation or recommendation before certain functions are exercised. That power does not extend to functions exercisable in the Ruler’s discretion, or to functions for which the State Constitution or Federal Constitution already provides a procedure.

What Article 40 does not say

Article 40(2) does not make the Undangs co-rulers of Negeri Sembilan. Their discretionary powers as part of the constitutional definition of “Ruler” are confined to the seven functions listed in Article 40(2). For every other function, Article 40(1) binds the “Ruler” to the advice of the Executive Council.

Article 40 does not give the Ruling Chiefs a general power to administer the State government. Article 35 provides the mechanism through which executive authority is exercised, while Article 40(1) places ordinary constitutional executive action within the system of Executive Council advice.

Article 40(2)(d) gives the Ruler discretion over functions relating to Malay custom, subject to the specific rules in Articles 14 and 16 where Ruling Chiefs are concerned.

• Article 14 provides that an Undang is elected, and may be removed, in accordance with the custom of his Luak,

• Article 16 gives the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) an advisory role in questions concerning the election, succession, removal or vacation of office of a Ruling Chief. Under Article 16(3), the DKU’s advice on such questions is final and cannot be challenged or called in question in any court.

Why this matters in 2026

Article 40(2), along with Article 28, have become two of the more contested provisions in 2026 crisis. See Article 28 for a full explainer of the co-ruler controversy.

Read also Undangs Are Not Co-Rulers With Equal Status and Power, which sets out why Article 40(2), read with Article 28(2), does not equate to equal rank or power.

Summary

Article 40 separates functions governed by advice from functions placed within discretion.

• For the ordinary exercise of functions, Article 40(1) requires the Ruler to act in accordance with the advice of the State Executive Council, subject to contrary provisions in the Federal or State Constitution. Article 40(1A) makes required advice binding. Article 40(3) allows State law, within defined limits, to create further requirements for consultation or recommendation.

• For seven specific constitutional functions, the “Ruler” as defined Article 28(2), may act in discretion, consiting of His Highness together with the required number of Undangs. Article 28(2) also allows His Highness to act alone in the specified circumstances under Article 40(2)(f) and (g).

Footnote: The Constitution numbers its Articles in Roman numerals. This publication uses Arabic numerals for readability.

Our posts referencing Article 40

• What Is the Negeri Sembilan Royal Crisis and Why Does It Matter?

• Undangs Are Not Co-Rulers With Equal Status and Power: What the Negeri Sembilan Constitution Actually Says

• The Co-Ruler Debate, Reignited

• Who Appoints the Menteri Besar After the Negeri Sembilan Election?

• Does Article 79 Let the Ruling Chiefs Convene a DKU Sitting on 5 June?

• Anak Nogori Weekly Round-Up (29 June - 5 July, 2026)

• What is Article 28 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959?

Sources:

• The Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959

Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

Article 35 opens Chapter 2 of the Second Part of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959, the chapter dealing with the Executive.

Article 28 gives “Ruler” a special meaning for the Second Part of the Constitution. Subject to the exception in Article 28(2), it means His Highness together with the Ruling Chiefs who are available and holding office at the material time. Under Article 34, “His Highness” means the person lawfully holding office as Yang di-Pertuan Besar. Ruling Chiefs are defined as the four Undangs of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol and Rembau together with the Tunku Besar Tampin.

What each clause means

Article 35(1): The executive authority of the state, and the persons and bodies that may exercise it

(1) The executive authority of the State shall be vested in the Ruler and exercisable, unless otherwise provided by the Federal Constitution or this Constitution, by His Highness or by the State Executive Council or any member of the State Executive Council, authorised by the State Executive Council, but executive functions may by law be conferred on other persons or authorities.

Article 35(1) does two separate jobs:

1. “Vested in the Ruler” tells you where the State’s executive authority legally resides. Under Article 28, “Ruler” means the Yang di-Pertuan Besar together with the relevant Ruling Chiefs.

2. “Exercisable by…” tells you who can actually carry out that executive authority. Article 35 says it can be exercised by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, the State Executive Council, or an authorised member of the Council.

In practical terms, this means that while executive authority belongs constitutionally to the “Ruler”, it may be exercised by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the State Executive Council.

The Ruling Chiefs do not have to participate every time the State government makes an executive decision.

Article 35(2): The name in which all executive authority is expressed

(2) All executive authority of the State shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the Ruler.

Article 35(2) deals with the formal source of executive acts. Even where executive authority is exercised by the State Executive Council under Article 35(1), the resulting act is expressed as being taken “in the name of the Ruler”.

The distinction is therefore straightforward: Article 35(1) says who holds executive authority and who may exercise it. Article 35(2) says in whose name that authority is formally expressed.

The Constitution numbers its Articles in Roman numerals. This publication uses Arabic numerals for readability.

Sources:

• The Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan, 1959

Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

The Negeri Sembilan palace rejected this proclamation, and on June 9, its Royal Comptroller (Pengelola Bijaya Diraja) stated that the ceremony had no legal validity and that Tuanku Muhriz remained the Yamtuan (The Star, 9 June 2026, New Straits Times, 10 June 2026).

In the weeks that followed, the proclamation took on public and ceremonial life. In the Luak (territories) whose signatory chieftains are disputed, Tunku Nadzaruddin was received, hosted, and treated publicly as a reigning ruler, specifically in the regions of the disputed Undangs. The goal of this article is to document these appearances.

The events were recorded by a Facebook page called “Sekretariat Yamtuan Ke-12” (Secretariat of the 12th Yamtuan), which is aligned with Undang Yang Empat¹ and Tunku Nadzaruddin’s claim, and its contents are treated here as the faction’s own account of events.

9 June 2026: Prayers for the “12th Yamtuan”

On June 9, four days after the proclamation, the Undang Yang Empat¹ and the Tunku Besar of Tampin directed the Negeri Sembilan Mufti to include prayers for Tunku Nadzaruddin in the second khutbah (Friday sermon) in mosques within their territories and Tampin, citing Article 181(1) of the Federal Constitution and their claimed authority as heads of religion in their territories.

The directive referred to him as “DYMM Tunku Nadzaruddin Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan” (Malaysiakini, 18 June 2026). The Mufti confirmed receipt of the letter and stated that the matter fell outside his purview and should be handled by the state religious affairs department.

It was an early indication that those behind the 5 June proclamation intended to give their declaration practical expression within the territories under their influence.

Ten days later, that directive was put into practice in Jelebu.

19 June 2026: Jelebu

On June 19, Tunku Nadzaruddin attended Friday prayers at the Jelebu Chieftain's Mosque (Masjid Dato' Undang Luak Jelebu), and his supporters presented this as a royal visit rather than an ordinary attendance. The next day, a Facebook post described it as the keberangkatan (a term used for the formal arrival or visit of royalty) of the “12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan”.

According to the account, he was received by Maarof Mat Rashad (who claimed the office Undang of Jelebu), and officials in black ceremonial dress; his two sons and Rais Yatim were present; and the sermon carried a special prayer for him.

The Facebook post’s closing line mencerminkan kedaulatan institusi Kesultanan, claims the event reflected the "sovereignty of the institution of the Negeri Sembilan Sultanate”. Photographs published by the Sekretariat show a yellow carpet laid for the arrival and the formal reception outside the mosque.

The Jelebu event was covered by Malaysiakini, which reported on the appearance using quotation marks around the term “Yamtuan Besar” in its headline, indicating the disputed nature of the status (Malaysiakini, 19 June 2026).

On the same day, the Facebook page recorded a Majlis Penyerahan Sumbangan (charity ceremony) to asnaf at the Balai Rasmi Undang Luak Jelebu, performed by Tunku Nadzaruddin together with Maarof Mat Rashad.

24–26 June 2026: Rembau

On June 22, Abdul Rahim Yasin (who claimed the office of Undang of Rembau), chaired a coordination meeting at the Rembau Chieftain’s Hall (Balai Undang Luak Rembau), Seri Rama, to prepare for the keberangkatan (royal visit) to Rembau on June 26.

According to the Facebook page, the meeting brought together the Chieftain’s Nobles (Orang Besar Undang), Lembaga Tiang Balai Baroh dan Darat, and other Adat (customary) officials of Rembau.

On 24 June, the Facebook page recorded a visit to Istana Serting (Serting Palace), framing it around the palace’s place in the state’s genealogy, including noting that the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Rahman, was born there.

On 26 June, Tunku Nadzaruddin was received at the Balai Undang of Rembau, the Istana Balai Sri Rama, by Abdul Rahim Yasin. On the Facebook page, the reception included sembah takzim (an act of homage before a ruler) and an introduction to the Orang Besar Undang and the Lembaga Suku Nan 12, alongside santap (dining, in the royal register) at the Balai and Friday prayers at Masjid Jamek An-Nur with members of the public.

The same page, in a further post dated to the same Friday, recorded a reception at the official residence of the Rembau claimant, at which an Ikrar Taat Setia (oath of loyalty) was recited by the Dato’ Perba, followed by the cutting of pulut kuning (yellow glutinous rice, offered as a token of thanksgiving), the presentation of cenderahati (gifts), and a handover of assistance to asnaf (those entitled to alms) by Tunku Nadzaruddin together with the Rembau claimant. The page styled him the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar throughout.

The same series of posts records a visit by Tunku Nadzaruddin, accompanied by the Undang of Rembau and his two sons, to the tomb of Raja Melewar (first Yamtuan of Negeri Sembilan) at Kampung Astana Raja.

Again, the way the programme was presented is clear. Tunku Nadzaruddin was not being treated merely as a prince visiting Rembau. He was being received publicly as the man his supporters regarded as Negeri Sembilan’s 12th ruler.

29 June-3 July 2026: Johol

Three days after the Rembau visit, preparations in Johol began. On 29 June, Muhammed Abdullah (Undang of Johol), chaired a coordination meeting at the Johol Chieftain’s Official Audience Hall (Balai Menghadap Rasmi Undang Luak Johol) to prepare for the visit on July 3, described as a Majlis Keberangkatan (Royal Arrival Ceremony) of the “12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan” to the territory of Johol. As in Rembau, preparations proceeded through the chieftain’s own institutions, with the Dato’ Baginda, Dato’ Jenang, and Johol Adat officials participating.

On 3 July, Tunku Nadzaruddin arrived at the Balai Rasmi Undang Luak Johol, where, according to the Facebook page, he was received by Muhammed Abdullah (Undang of Johol), and introduced to the Dato'-Dato' Adat and the Ibu Soko. A second post on the page records that the reception opened with an Ikrar Taat Setia recited by the Dato' Jenang, followed by the cutting of pulut kuning as a token of thanksgiving, and a sumbangan (charitable ceremony) to recipients that included his two sons. He then proceeded to Masjid Kariah Dato' Undang Kamat for Friday prayers with members of the public, before returning for the formal programme in the afternoon.

July 20: Tampin

On 20 July, a coordination meeting was held in the meeting room of the office of the Tunku Besar Tampin to prepare for a visit to Tampin on 24 July. According to the Facebook page, the meeting was to arrange a sumbangan (charitable ceremony) programme and Friday prayers, and the visit was expected to be attended by the four men styled the Undang Yang Empat¹ the Tunku Besar Tampin and the Dato’ Shahbandar of Sungai Ujong. The meeting itself was chaired by the Penghulu of Repah, Dato' Hashim, with the Penghulu of Tampin, Keru and Tebong and Adat notables of Jelebu, Johol and Rembau in attendance.

What did those supporting the proclamation do after making it?

The available record after 5 June shows a clear pattern. The chieftains directed mosques under their influence to pray for Tunku Nadzaruddin as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar. He was then publicly received in Jelebu, Rembau and Johol by the since disputed and removed Undangs and their officials.

At each visit, he received forms of ceremonial respect ordinarily associated with royal authority and participated in programmes involving the Adat leadership of the Luak.

The record leaves open a question: whether Tunku Nadzaruddin directed this sequence or was presented through it by the chieftains who organised each stop. Every coordination meeting in the posts was chaired by a claimant Undang or an adat office-holder, not by him, and the invitations, the venues and the vocabulary were theirs. Who directed whom is not clear from the Facebook page promoting the events.

Taken together, the posts document something considerably more organised than the continued use of a disputed title. They show an effort, following the 5 June proclamation, to give that claim visible and ceremonial expression within the Luaks whose disputed chiefs supported it.

One absence from this sequence is notable. In the Facebook posts reviewed for this article, the comparable keberangkatan (royal visit) was not documented in Luak Sungei Ujong, and Mubarak Dohak was not recorded as receiving, accompanying or participating with Tunku Nadzaruddin in any of these appearances. Mubarak nevertheless remained directly involved in the legal proceedings arising from the dispute, as the first plaintiff named in the 10 August judicial review.

The record ends at the end of July

The public sequence documented here ended in July, with the Tampin programme the last event identified in the material reviewed for this article

On 31 July, the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) issued an official statement, recognising the newly installed Undangs of Sungai Ujong and Rembau, recorded that the individuals who had claimed the offices of Undang of Sungai Ujong, Rembau and Jelebu, Mubarak Thahak, Abdul Rahim Yasin and Maarof Mat Rashad, had at the material times either ceased to hold or never lawfully held those offices, and declared the 19 April announcement contrary to Article 10 and of no effect (Malaysiakini, 1 August 2026, The Star, 1 August 2026). Two of the men who had received Tunku Nadzaruddin during the circuit, the Jelebu and Rembau Undang claimants, were among the removed.

The 31 July statement therefore changed the context in which these ceremonies must be assessed. Several had been organised through offices that the DKU subsequently acknowledged were not lawfully held by the men acting in their name, raising a further question about the institutional legitimacy of those events.

Read next: Tuanku Muhriz is still the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan

Footnote: ¹ This article uses the term “Undang Yang Empat” to refer to the four chieftains who signed the 19 April declaration. Mubarak Dohak ceased to hold office as Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong with effect from 13 May 2025, a removal the DKU acknowledged on 17 April 2026, two days before the declaration. On 31 July 2026 the DKU further acknowledged that Maarof Mat Rashad had been removed as Undang of Luak Jelebu with effect from 31 May 2023, and that the appointment of Abdul Rahim Yasin as Undang of Luak Rembau was never completed. Removal of an Undang is a customary act of the Luak, which the DKU acknowledges under Article 16 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959; under Article 16(3), the DKU’s advice on such questions is final and cannot be challenged in any court.

If you are new to this Substack, and are not sure where to begin, visit our Start Here page, where we list all our articles organised by theme.

Start Here

Related Posts:

Sources:

• The Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959

• Tunku Nadzaruddin named Yang di-Pertuan Besar amid Negri crisis (The Star, 6 June 2026)

• Negri royal row: Ceremony proclaiming Tunku Nadzaruddin as new Ruler declared illegal by royal comptroller (The Star, 9 June 2026)

• Tunku Nadzaruddin’s ascension invalid, Tunku Panglima Besar title forfeited (New Straits Times, 10 June 2026)

• Undang Yang Empat arah khutbah Jumaat doakan Tunku Nadzaruddin (Malaysiakini, 18 June 2026)

• Khutbah Jumaat masjid Jelebu doakan ‘Yamtuan Besar’ Tunku Nadzaruddin (Malaysiakini, 19 June 2026)

• DKU isytihar pemecatan Undang Jelebu, Dato’ Shahbandar Sungai Ujong (Malaysiakini, 1 August 2026)

• Negri DKU recognises new Sungai Ujong, Rembau ruling chiefs, declares Jelebu office vacant (The Star, 1 August 2026)

Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

10 August 2026, Monday: The ex parte leave application in case WA-25-201-07/2026 came before Judge Norliza Othman at the High Court of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur. Rather than deciding leave, the judge asked counsel for the four applicants to take instructions on whether the judicial review should continue in Kuala Lumpur or be transferred to Seremban, where an originating summons filed by the same parties in May has yet to be heard. She cited the risk of two courts reaching conflicting decisions on the same subject matter. All parties are to return on 7 October 2026 with an answer (The Edge Malaysia, 10 August 2026).

The Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) and its secretary, Raja Norazli Raja Nordin, had filed an application on 6 August to be added as third and fourth respondents, arguing they hold a direct interest because Tuanku Muhriz chairs the DKU and any purported removal would affect its governance, membership and functions. They also sought a stay of the leave application pending that intervention.

Muhammad Faris Johari, the Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong, and Hassan Ab Hamid, the Undang of Luak Rembau, filed their own applications to intervene. The court has yet to rule on any of them, and the intervention question also stands over to 7 October (FMT, 10 August 2026).

Counsel for the applicants, Mohd Khairul Azam Aziz, made an oral application for a gag order restraining public discussion of the case. The DKU and the Negeri Sembilan government opposed it on the ground that the proceedings concern a matter of public interest. Senior federal counsel Nurhafizza Azizan, appearing for the Attorney-General, told reporters afterwards that the judge declined it (FMT, 10 August 2026).

Our account of the application itself, built from the court filing, has been updated with the outcome: The 10 August Hearing Over the Negeri Sembilan Throne.

10 August 2026, Monday: Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim chaired the first weekly Exco meeting of the new administration at Wisma Negeri (Portal Berita RTM, 10 August 2026).

The date of the First (Special) Sitting of the First Session of the 16th Dewan Undangan Negeri was fixed for 18 August 2026. The order of business covers the swearing-in of all Assembly members, the appointment of the Yang Dipertua (Speaker) and his deputy, and the tabling of a supplementary budget (Portal Berita RTM, 10 August 2026, UMNO Online, 10 August 2026).

Commentary worth reading

13 August 2026, Thursday: Apa Lagi Melayu Negeri Sembilan Mahu? Faisal Tehrani argues that the continuing attempt to remove Tuanku Muhriz, including the mandamus proceedings filed on 17 July, should be judged against the principles of Adat Perpatih as well as against constitutional procedure.

He draws on terombo (customary verse) and perbilangan (customary sayings), together with Mohd Rosli Saludin’s Sejarah Adat Perpatih Seri Menanti (2022), to emphasise alur dan patut (proper channel and due course), respect for a just ruler, and the bottom-up character of the Negeri Sembilan system, in which authority runs from the Anak Buah (clan members) through the Buapak (clan headman), Lembaga (tribal chief) and Undang to the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

The article portrays the mandamus application as the latest stage of a broader campaign against Tuanku Muhriz, and argues that compelling the new Menteri Besar to sign the disputed proclamation would be a top-down intervention inconsistent with that customary order. It welcomes the resolution of the Sungei Ujong and Rembau disputes and suggests that scrutiny should now extend to Jelebu, Johol and potentially Tampin.

The language is openly combative, with repeated references to derhaka (treason against the ruler) and to the Tuk Pincang Panjang Lidah (the crooked elder of the long tongue, whom the tradition identifies as given to falsehood and slander). That phrase names a category rather than a person. Adat Perpatih identifies a type of leader the community is instructed to shun, and Faisal quotes Rosli Saludin's definition of him as a leader inclined to lie, to slander, and to speak of things that are untrue. Faisal argues that the crisis offers an opening to clear such figures from customary office.

Underneath the rhetoric sits a more interesting argument, that the present dispute concerns the internal legitimacy of Adat institutions as much as the legal validity of particular proclamations or court applications.

The characterisations of motive are the author's own and this publication has not independently verified the assertions in the article (FMT, 12 August 2026).

The argument about the standing of adat against the written Constitution has also been covered in our publication:

• The Constitution versus Adat Perpatih: The events of 2026 have tested the legitimacy of Adat Perpatih and the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959 against constitutional and political manoeuvre.

• The Harder Question: The principles of adat are real. The lived reality is messier. When several Ibu Sokos sanction multiple different Undang, who decides which counts?

What we are watching for

18 August 2026, Tuesday: The First (Special) Sitting of the First Session of the 16th Dewan Undangan Negeri. Members are sworn in, a Speaker and Deputy Speaker are appointed, and a supplementary budget is tabled. FMT reported an understanding that the Speaker would go to Barisan Nasional and the Deputy Speaker to Perikatan Nasional (FMT, 6 August 2026).

28 September 2026: Case management before the Seremban High Court in the contempt proceedings, where the DKU and its secretary are seeking to have six individuals cited for contempt.

7 October 2026, Wednesday: Parties in WA-25-201-07/2026 return before Judge Norliza Othman to state whether the judicial review continues in Kuala Lumpur or moves to Seremban. The pending intervention applications stand over to the same date.

19 October 2026: The Court of Appeal’s next date in the six’s appeal against the grant of leave for contempt proceedings.

A note on cadence

Coverage now sits between court dates, with the next fixtures in late September and October. This publication will only send a round-up when the week has produced something material to report.

New posts written by this publication last week

Court Documents

This publication has started a new section of the site. Court Documents holds English translations of the filings in the Negeri Sembilan succession dispute, which are written in Bahasa Melayu. Each document carries its own provenance note stating how the copy was obtained.

• Court Documents

  • Application for Judicial Review WA-25-201-07/2026 (English Translation)

  • Supporting Affidavit WA-25-201-07/2026 (English Translation)

  • Exhibit DMA-1: The Sabda of 19 April 2026 (English Translation)

• The 10 August Hearing Over the Negeri Sembilan Throne (updated with the outcome of the hearing)

Sources:

• The Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959

• BN tipped for 8 Negeri Sembilan exco posts, PN 2 (FMT, 6 August 2026)

• Court tells Undangs’ lawyer to decide whether to continue case in KL or Seremban (The Edge Malaysia, 10 August 2026)

• DKU, secretary seek to intervene in Negeri Sembilan ruler removal case (FMT, 10 August 2026)

• Tiada kenaikan cukai taksiran kediaman di N9 untuk lima tahun (Portal Berita RTM, 10 August 2026)

• Tunai Janji Manifesto BN, Tiada Kenaikkan Kadar Cukai Pintu - Ismail Lassim (UMNO Online, 10 August 2026)

• Apa Lagi Melayu Negeri Sembilan Mahu? (Faisal Tehrani, Solidaritas, 13 August 2026)

About Weekly Round-Ups

Weekly Round-Ups are published every Monday morning. Each round-up covers what happened the previous week, what we are watching for in the week ahead, and links to posts published that week.

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Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

Each document is reproduced in full, subject only to redaction of personal identifiers. Where a document contains contested assertions, those assertions belong to the party who filed it. Nothing here is endorsed by this publication.

These pages are intended as a reference archive, not as substitutes for the court record. The original Malay documents remain authoritative where there is any difference in wording or interpretation.

Documents

• Exhibit DMA-1, 19 April 2026

• Judicial Review Leave Application, filed 17 July 2026

• Supporting Affidavit of Muhammed Abdullah, 17 July 2026

Sources and translations

How these documents are obtained

Every document filed through the Malaysian judiciary’s electronic filing system carries a printed serial number. That number can be entered into the judiciary’s document verification portal, which returns the sealed document held on the court system. Where this publication has retrieved a document that way, the page says so, and any reader can repeat the check.

Some documents reach this publication by other routes, including copies circulating on social media. Those are marked as not independently verified.

Translation notes

Translations are prepared by this publication and carry no legal standing. The Constitution numbers its Articles in Roman numerals; this publication uses Arabic numerals throughout for readability.

If you are new to this Substack, and are not sure where to begin, visit our Start Here page, where we list all our articles organised by theme.

Start Here

Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

This is an unofficial English translation. Where there is any discrepancy, the original Malay document prevails.

These documents were obtained on Facebook and the authenticity of the document translated here has not been independently verified by this publication. Where the original uses Jawi script or Arabic invocations, these are described in square brackets rather than reproduced.

Dma 1

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[Crest of Negeri Sembilan]

[Jawi heading: Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Undang Yang Empat, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus]

SABDA CONCERNING ARTICLE 10 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF NEGERI SEMBILAN 1959 PROCLAMATION OF REMOVAL OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE YANG DI-PERTUAN BESAR OF NEGERI SEMBILAN TUANKU MUHRIZ IBNI ALMARHUM TUANKU MUNAWIR

[Bismillah and hamdalah in Arabic]

AL-WATHIQU BILLAH [he who places his trust in God], Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Klana Petra Dato’ Haji Mubarak Bin Thahak, Undang Luak Sungei Ujong; Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman Dato’ Maarof Bin Haji Mat Rashad, Undang Luak Jelebu; Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Sitiawan Dato’ Muhammed Bin Haji Abdullah, Undang Luak Johol; and Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Sedia Raja Dato’ Haji Abdul Rahim Bin Haji Yasin, Undang Luak Rembau; and witnessing, Yang Amat Mulia Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Badarudin bin Haji Abdul Khalid, Dato’ Shahbandar Sungei Ujong:

WHEREAS in fulfilment of the requirements of Article 10(1) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, and with the purpose of carrying out that provision, We the Undang Yang Empat on 5 March 2026 held a sitting and a full and complete enquiry concerning the matters constituting acts of misconduct by His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir in the discharge of his responsibilities as Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan after his accession to the throne.

WHEREAS following that enquiry We the Undang Yang Empat are satisfied that the acts of misconduct concerned were committed deliberately, and have resulted in the sanctity, honour, dignity and good name of the institution of the Ruler in Negeri Sembilan being defiled and brought into contempt.

NOW THEREFORE by the power conferred upon Us under Article 10(1)(b) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, We hereby unanimously determine and pronounce that His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir shall abdicate the throne and relinquish his sovereignty, rights, powers and precedence, and that he shall cease to be and to perform the functions of Yang di-Pertuan Besar; and that under Article 10(2) this sabda takes effect immediately, and the Proclamation relating thereto will be issued later, together with the signature of the Menteri Besar.

Thus pronounced by Us.

Executed at Balai Undang Luak Sungei Ujong, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus, on 19 April 2026, corresponding to 1 Zulkaedah 1447H.

Dato’ Haji Mubarak Bin Thahak, Dato’ Klana Petra, Undang Luak Sungei Ujong

Dato’ Maarof Bin Haji Mat Rashad, Dato’ Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman, Undang Luak Jelebu

Dato’ Muhammed Bin Haji Abdullah, Dato’ Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Sitiawan, Undang Luak Johol

Haji Abdul Rahim Bin Haji Yasin, Dato’ Sedia Raja, Undang Luak Rembau

[Four signatures and four official seals appear on the original, dated 19 April 2026]

Kebawah Kaus Yang Teramat Mulia Undang Yang Empat, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus. Balai YTM Undang Luak Sungei Ujong, Ampangan, 70400 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus.

Notes on the translation. Sabda denotes a pronouncement by a person holding customary authority and is left untranslated. Undang Yang Empat is the institutional term for the four Luak chieftainships and is left untranslated. Luak denotes a territorial and customary unit of Negeri Sembilan. Balai Undang denotes the hall of an Undang. The Constitution numbers its Articles in Roman numerals. This publication uses Arabic numerals for readability.

Provenance. The pages from which this translation was made carry no court seal and no eFiling serial number, and cannot be verified through the judiciary’s document verification portal. They are treated as a document purporting to be exhibit DMA-1 in judicial review WA-25-201-07/2026.

Related Posts:

If you are new to this Substack, and are not sure where to begin, visit our Start Here page, where we list all our articles organised by theme.

Start Here

Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

These documents were obtained on Facebook and the authenticity of the document translated here has not been independently verified by this publication. Its contents are presented as the sworn evidence of the deponent alone, untested in court, with no affidavit in reply filed at the date of this translation. Personal identification details have been redacted.

Affidavit

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English Translation:

IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR IN THE FEDERAL TERRITORY JUDICIAL REVIEW NO: [BLANK ON FORM] 2026

In the matter of Order 53 rules 1, 2 and 3 of the Rules of Court 2012; AND in the matter of an application for an Order of Declaration and Mandamus; AND in the matter of the Federal guarantee in respect of State Constitutions under Article 71(2) of the Federal Constitution; AND in the matter of Articles 10(1)(b) and (2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959; AND in the matter of Article 11 of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959; AND in the matter of Order 92 rule 4 of the Rules of Court 2012; AND in the matter of section 25 and the Schedule to the Courts of Judicature Act 1964; AND in the matter of section 44 of the Specific Relief Act 1950; AND in the matter of the Plaintiffs’ letter to the First Defendant dated 20 April 2026.

BETWEEN

1. YTM Dato’ Klana Petra, Dato’ Haji Mubarak Bin Thahak

2. YTM Dato’ Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman, Dato’ Maarof Bin Haji Mat Rashad

3. YTM Dato Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Sitiawan, Dato’ Muhammed Bin Haji Abdullah

4. YTM Dato’ Sedia Raja, Dato’ Haji Abdul Rahim Bin Haji Yasin … PLAINTIFFS

AND

1. Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan

2. Government of Negeri Sembilan … DEFENDANTS

Supporting affidavit

We, Dato’ Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Sitiawan Dato’ Muhammed Bin Haji Abdullah (identity card number omitted), a Malaysian citizen of full age with an address for service at Balai Undang Luak Johol, 73100 Johol, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus, do solemnly affirm and state as follows:

1. We are the Third Plaintiff in this Action and affirm this Affidavit by the sabda (pronouncement) and with the unanimous consent of the Plaintiffs.

2. All the facts stated in this Supporting Affidavit are true according to my personal knowledge and/or from documents in my possession to which I have access, and information based on advice, legal advice and my belief, unless otherwise stated.

3. We are the Undang Luak Johol, established under Article 14(1) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, and affirm as follows:

(i) The First Plaintiff is the Undang Luak Sungei Ujong, established under Article 14(1) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

(ii) The Second Plaintiff is the Undang Luak Jelebu, established under Article 14(1) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

(iii) The Fourth Plaintiff is the Undang Luak Rembau, established under Article 14(1) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

4. The Plaintiffs are the Ruler of the State of Negeri Sembilan together with the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan under Articles 28(1) and 28(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

5. The First Defendant is the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, who bears the public responsibility of carrying out all Constitutional duties under the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

6. The Second Defendant is the Government of Negeri Sembilan, which bears the public responsibility of carrying out all Constitutional duties under the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

The events of 5 March 2026

7. We solemnly state that on 5 March 2026 a meeting of the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang was held at Istana Besar Seri Menanti, chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

8. We state that we, together with the First Plaintiff, the Second Plaintiff, Tunku Besar Tampin and the Dato’ Shahbandar Sungei Ujong, attended that meeting of the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang.

9. We state that the atmosphere of the DKU meeting that day was somewhat tense when the First Plaintiff raised several acts of administrative and customary misconduct committed by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

10. We state that the DKU meeting was also attended by the Defendants, together with the State Legal Adviser and the Mufti of the Government of Negeri Sembilan.

11. We state that, in order to ease the tension of the DKU meeting, We together with the First Plaintiff and the Second Plaintiff left the meeting and reconvened at Balai Undang Sungei Ujong for a continued meeting.

12. We state that at that continued meeting, We, the First Plaintiff and the Second Plaintiff discussed again in detail all the administrative and customary wrongs committed by Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, and decided that His Royal Highness was no longer qualified to continue holding the title of the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

13. We state that the Defendants also attended the continued meeting at Balai Undang Sungei Ujong, at which the Second Defendant was represented by the State Secretary of Negeri Sembilan, in addition to the State Legal Adviser of Negeri Sembilan.

14. We state that the First Plaintiff then pronounced (mensabdakan) to the Defendants that they should carry out the Defendants’ Constitutional duties under Article 10(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan, the Plaintiffs having completed the Plaintiffs’ Constitutional duties under Article 10(1)(b) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

15. We state that after being so pronounced to by the First Plaintiff, the First Defendant stated that he agreed and would discuss the matter with the Second Defendant and the State Legal Adviser for further action.

16. However, after the Defendants left Balai Undang Sungei Ujong, and even after several days had passed, no action to issue the Proclamation of removal of Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir under Article 10(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 was taken by the Defendants.

The events of 19 April 2026

17. We solemnly state that owing to the failure of the Defendants to carry out their Constitutional duties promptly under Article 10(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, on 19 April 2026 the Plaintiffs gathered at Balai Undang Sungei Ujong and issued a Sabda concerning Article 10 of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, namely the Proclamation of Removal of His Royal Highness the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tunku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir.

A copy of the said Sabda is exhibited as exhibit DMA-1.

18. We state that among the important contents of Exhibit DMA-1 are the following:

(i) That on 5 March 2026, the Plaintiffs held a sitting and a full and complete enquiry under Article 10(1) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 concerning the misconduct of DYMM Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir in carrying out his responsibilities as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan;

(ii) That after holding the full and complete enquiry above, the Plaintiffs were satisfied that the acts of misconduct committed by Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir were done deliberately, and had resulted in the sanctity, honour, dignity and good name of the institution of the Ruler in Negeri Sembilan being defiled and brought into contempt;

(iii) That by the power held by the Plaintiffs under Article 10(1)(b) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, the Plaintiffs requested that Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir abdicate the throne of the State and relinquish his sovereignty, rights, powers and precedence as the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan;

(iv) That a Proclamation concerning this removal, under Article 10(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, which is to be signed by the Plaintiffs and the Defendant, will be issued later.

19. We state that, by a letter dated 20 April 2026 to the Defendant, the Confidential Secretary to the First Plaintiff delivered the Proclamation document under Article 10(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 for signature by the Defendant.

A copy of the proof of service of the letter dated 20 April 2026 on the Defendant is exhibited as exhibit DMA-2.

20. We state that up to the date of filing of this Judicial Review Action, the Defendant has refused, neglected and/or disregarded the Plaintiffs’ Constitutional request that the Defendant sign the proclamation document under Article 10(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

Procedural impropriety, irrationality and legitimate expectation

21. We state that by the failure of the First Defendant to sign the Proclamation document concerned, the Defendants have committed procedural impropriety in carrying out their Responsibilities under Article 10(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959;

22. We state that by the failure of the First Defendant to sign the Proclamation document concerned, the Defendants have acted irrationally in carrying out their Responsibilities under Article 10(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959;

23. We state that the Plaintiffs, after carrying out the Plaintiffs’ responsibilities under Article 10(1)(b) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, hold a Legitimate Expectation that the Defendants would carry out their responsibilities under Article 10(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

24. We state that the Plaintiffs have discharged their Constitutional obligation by signing the Proclamation of Removal as at exhibit DMA-1 above.

25. We solemnly believe and say that, other than by an Order of Mandamus from this Honourable Court, the Defendant will not sign the Proclamation document at exhibit DMA-2 concerned.

26. We therefore apply for the following Orders:

(a) A Declaration that the Proclamation Document at annexure DMA-1 is a valid Proclamation document under Articles 10(1)(b) and 10(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

(b) An Order of Mandamus directing the First Defendant to sign the Proclamation document at exhibit DMA-2 under Article 10(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 within 7 days of the Order of this Honourable Court.

(c) Costs,

(d) Such other Relief as this honourable court considers fit, just and appropriate.

Affirmed by YTM Dato' Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Sitiawan Dato' Muhammed Bin Haji Abdullah on 17 July 2026 at Seremban. The attestation block records that no interpretation was required, the deponent reading the language of the affidavit. Before me, Commissioner for Oaths No. N 083, Rodiah bt Mohamed, commission period 1.1.2025 to 31.12.2027, of 141A Jalan Dato Bandar Tunggal, 70000 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus. [Seal of the Undang Luak Johol and seal of the Commissioner for Oaths appear on the original.]

Notes on the translation. The affidavit uses the first person plural “Kami” throughout, which is rendered here as “We”. Sabda denotes a pronouncement by a person holding customary authority and is left untranslated, as is Luak, a territorial and customary unit of Negeri Sembilan, and Balai Undang, the hall of an Undang. The Constitution numbers its Articles in Roman numerals. This publication uses Arabic numerals for readability. Paragraph 3 of the original lists the First, Second and Fourth Plaintiffs at sub-paragraphs (i) to (iii) and does not list a Third Plaintiff separately, the deponent being the Third Plaintiff. Paragraphs 19, 25 and 26(b) refer to exhibit DMA-2, which paragraph 19 describes as proof of service rather than as the Proclamation document itself.

Provenance. The document translated here purports to be the supporting affidavit filed in judicial review WA-25-201-07/2026 at the High Court of Malaya at Kuala Lumpur, affirmed on 17 July 2026. The copy from which this translation was made carries no eFiling serial number, and its authenticity has not been independently verified by this publication. The case number, the parties, the filing date and the orders sought correspond to the application document retrieved through the judiciary’s document verification portal. The exhibits referred to as DMA-1 and DMA-2 are filed separately and are not part of this document.

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Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

This document was retrieved through the Malaysian judiciary’s document verification portal on 8 August 2026, using the serial number printed on the filed copy. Personal identification details have been omitted.

Wa 25 201 07 2026 Judicial Review Leave Application (ex Parte) 17 Jul 2026

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English Translation:

IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR IN THE FEDERAL TERRITORY JUDICIAL REVIEW NO: [BLANK ON FORM] 2026

In the matter of Order 53 rules 1, 2 and 3 of the Rules of Court 2012;

AND in the matter of an application for an Order of Declaration and Mandamus;

AND in the matter of the Federal guarantee in respect of State Constitutions under Article 71(2) of the Federal Constitution;

AND in the matter of Articles 10(1)(b) and (2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959;

AND in the matter of Article 11 of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959;

AND in the matter of Order 92 rule 4 of the Rules of Court 2012;

AND in the matter of section 25 and the Schedule to the Courts of Judicature Act 1964;

AND in the matter of section 44 of the Specific Relief Act 1950;

AND in the matter of the Plaintiffs’ letter to the First Defendant dated 20 April 2026.

BETWEEN

1. YTM Dato’ Klana Petra, Dato’ Haji Mubarak Bin Thahak

2. YTM Dato’ Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman, Dato’ Maarof Bin Haji Mat Rashad

3. YTM Dato Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Sitiawan, Dato’ Muhammed Bin Haji Abdullah

4. YTM Dato’ Sedia Raja, Dato’ Haji Abdul Rahim Bin Haji Yasin … PLAINTIFFS

AND

1. Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan

2. Government of Negeri Sembilan … DEFENDANTS

Application for judicial review under Order 53 rule 3 of the Rules of Court 2012

(Ex parte)

TAKE NOTICE that this Honourable Court will be moved on 10 August 2026 at 9.30am, or so soon thereafter as counsel may be heard, by the Plaintiffs named above, for the following orders:

1. That leave be granted to the Plaintiffs under Order 53 rule 3 of the Rules of Court 2012 to commence Judicial Review proceedings for:

1.1 An order of Mandamus directing the First Defendant to sign the Proclamation document as at exhibit DMA-1, in accordance with Article 10(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, within seven (7) days of the order of this Honourable Court; and

1.2 A declaration that the Proclamation Document as at exhibit DMA-1 is a valid Proclamation document in accordance with Articles 10(1)(b) and 10(2) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

2. Costs; and

3. Such other Relief as this Honourable Court considers fit, just and appropriate.

The grounds in support of this application are set out in the Statement filed together with this application.

The Affidavit affirmed by Dato’ Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Sitiawan Dato’ Muhammed Bin Haji Abdullah (identity card number omitted), filed together with this application, is to be read in support of this application.

Dated 17 July 2026.

[Seal of the High Court of Kuala Lumpur. Signed by Mohd Hirman b. Ab Rauf, Deputy Registrar, High Court, Kuala Lumpur.]

This application is fixed for hearing before Y.A. Hakim Puan Noriza binti Othman on 10 August 2026 at 9.30am, in Court BK 1, Level 5, Right Wing.

[The filed copy carries a further endorsement directing service on the Attorney General’s Chambers.]

Notes on the translation. Perisytiharan is rendered as “Proclamation”, Sabda as “sabda”, and Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan 1959 as “the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959”. The original numbers Articles of the Constitution in Roman numerals; Arabic numerals are used here for readability. The document uses the terms “Plaintif” and “Defendan”, which are retained here as “Plaintiff” and “Defendant”, although proceedings under Order 53 are more usually described as being between an applicant and a respondent.

A note on the exhibit references. This application seeks both orders in respect of the document exhibited as DMA-1. The supporting affidavit at paragraph 17 exhibits the sabda of 19 April as DMA-1, and at paragraph 19 exhibits proof of service of the letter of 20 April as DMA-2, then at paragraphs 25 and 26(b) seeks mandamus in respect of DMA-2.

Provenance. This document was retrieved from the Malaysian judiciary’s document verification portal on 8 August 2026 using the serial number printed on the filed copy. The retrieved document confirms the case number, the parties, the filing date and the orders sought. The exhibits referred to as DMA-1 and DMA-2 are filed separately and are not part of this document.

Related Posts:

If you are new to this Substack, and are not sure where to begin, visit our Start Here page, where we list all our articles organised by theme.

Start Here

Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

4 August 2026, Tuesday: Datuk Ismail Lasim began his first working day as Menteri Besar (MB) of Negeri Sembilan. He said that the state government was weighing Deputy Exco posts for several portfolios on the reasoning that the governing bloc holds more assemblymen than the Exco can seat. He said the Exco itself would stay at ten members, other than the MB. (Note: This number is the ceiling Article 38(2)(b) sets for Exco members other than the MB. Read Article 38 for a full explanation of the constitutional process for appointing the Executive Council.)

His comments came after Rais Yatim questioned the process behind the appointment and alleged outside interference involving state custom and constitutional matters. Ismail declined to go further, saying only that the appointment had been carried out according to the established procedures.

He added that whether the Negeri Sembilan UMNO chief Jalaluddin took an Exco seat was a matter for Jalaluddin himself. Jalaluddin had earlier said he would not offer himself for an Exco position, choosing to make way for other representatives while leaving the final decision to the MB (Astro Awani, 4 August 2026, The Vibes, 4 August 2026).

5 August 2026, Wednesday: The Johol assemblyman, Datuk Saiful Yazan Sulaiman of Barisan Nasional (BN), rejected speculation circulating on social media that Pakatan Harapan (PH) representatives would be brought into the Exco, saying the claim was untrue and that any such proposal would first have been discussed with BN assemblymen (The Vibes, 5 August 2026).

7 August 2026, Friday: Ten State Assemblymen (ADUNs) took their oaths as members of the State Executive Council before the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz, at Istana Besar Seri Menanti, completing the BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration, with eight seats to BN and two to PN. Two of the ten served in the previous Exco under Aminuddin Harun while the other eight take up Exco office for the first time (Malaysia Gazette, 7 August 2026).

The full line-up:

1. Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli (Linggi, BN, returning): rural development and regional development

2. Datuk Mustapha Nagoor (Palong, BN, returning): youth and sports development

3. Datuk Zaifulbahri Idris (Chembong, BN, new): education, higher education and human capital

4. Datuk Mohd Razi Mohd Ali (Sungai Lui, BN, new): agriculture, food security and cost of living

5. Datuk Mohd Asna Amin (Lenggeng, BN, new): industry, technology, innovation and digital

6. Siti Nur Umaira Hasim (Labu, BN, new): women, family and community development - the only woman on the Exco

7. Siow Kong Choon (Chennah, BN, new): local government development, housing and non-Islamic affairs

8. Suhaimizan Bizar (Gemencheh, BN, new): health, unity, information, national integration and NGOs

9. Mohd Fairuz Mohd Isa (Serting, PN, new), the state PAS commissioner: entrepreneurship, human resources, climate change, cooperatives and consumerism

10. Datuk Razali Abu Samah (Sikamat, PN, new): tourism, arts, culture and heritage

MB Ismail Lasim retained the senior portfolios himself, taking Islamic religious affairs and security, finance, land and natural resources, and investment, infrastructure, utilities, communications and FELDA.

Commentary worth reading

5 August 2026, Wednesday: Turbulent tenure expected for new Negeri Sembilan MB An analysis of the pressures facing the new administration. Akademi Nusantara's Azmi Hassan said that the absence of several UMNO assemblymen from Ismail Lasim's installation as MB, among them the state UMNO chief Jalaluddin, signalled a risk of internal power-grabbing that stemmed from how unexpected the MB appointment was.

Azmi noted that many had not counted Ismail among the frontrunners despite his long experience in government, and that his name had not featured in the discussions over who would be BN's MB designate in any arrangement with PN.

The article also mentions the 2023 Melaka leadership change, in which Ab Rauf Yusoh replaced Sulaiman Ali, as a precedent for how a sitting MB can be displaced over time (FMT, 5 August 2026).

7 August 2026, Friday: Tuanku Muhriz reminds new N. Sembilan exco to reject abuse of power, prioritise people Alongside the warning against granting government tenders and projects to family or friends, Tuanku Muhriz framed the appointments as a duty that carries weight.

He said a government is judged by results the people can genuinely feel, and that good planning matters only when it delivers them. He asked the new line-up to build on the previous administration’s record in drawing quality investment, lifting state revenue and creating jobs, and to keep identifying and correcting weaknesses so the administration stays high in integrity.

He described what the country needs as leaders of strong principle, or “persons of honour”, and closed by praying for the state’s continued peace and prosperity, and for those who govern to be guided toward fair and wise decisions (Malay Mail, 7 August 2026, The Star, 8 August 2026).

(See embedded video for Tuanku Muhriz’s 7 August 2026 speech in Malay from the Malaysia Tribune’s X account.)

What we are watching for

Speaker and Deputy Speaker: The first sitting of the 16th Assembly, at which a Speaker is elected. FMT reported an understanding that the Speaker would go to BN and the Deputy Speaker to PN (FMT, 6 August 2026).

10 August 2026, Monday: A judicial review application is listed for hearing at 9.30am before the High Court of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, case number WA-25-201-07/2026, filed on 17 July 2026. The four plaintiffs are Mubarak Dohak and the Undangs of Jelebu, Johol and Rembau; the defendants are the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan and the Government of Negeri Sembilan. The application asks the court to compel the Menteri Besar to sign a Proclamation document and to declare it valid under Articles 10(1)(b) and 10(2). This publication has independently verified the papers through the Malaysian judiciary's e-filing verification portal. (Read more: The 10 August Hearing Over the Negeri Sembilan Throne)

28 September 2026: Case management before the Seremban High Court in the contempt proceedings, where the DKU and its secretary are seeking to have six individuals cited for contempt.

19 October 2026: The Court of Appeal's next date in the six's appeal against the grant of leave for contempt proceedings.

Summary

On the succession thread, the week brought a run of Facebook posts, including from political activists, social media influencers and lawyers, arguing the case for the removed chieftains, contesting the DKU's 31 July sitting and arguing that it was inquorate and its recognitions invalid.

However, the facts of the week remain the same. The Exco came to mengadap (present themselves before the Ruler) before Tuanku Muhriz at Seri Menanti, with the royal household, and the recognised Undangs of Sungei Ujong and Rembau present.

In a state where the year's central argument has been over who the legitimate Undangs and Ruler are, the new government was installed before Tuanku Muhriz, who lawfully and firmly remains the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

Under Adat, the “Undang Yang Empat¹” who made the 19 April removal announcement did not validly constitute that body. And under the Constitution, the purported removal of 19 April carried no legal effect, so the office was never vacated and no successor was installed in his place.

Footnote: ¹ This article uses the term "Undang Yang Empat" to refer to the four chieftains who signed the 19 April declaration. Mubarak Dohak ceased to hold office as Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong with effect from 13 May 2025, a removal the DKU acknowledged on 17 April 2026, two days before the declaration. On 31 July 2026 the DKU further acknowledged that Maarof Mat Rashad had been removed as Undang of Luak Jelebu with effect from 31 May 2023, and that the appointment of Abdul Rahim Yasin as Undang of Luak Rembau was never completed. Removal of an Undang is a customary act of the Luak, which the DKU acknowledges under Article 16 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959; under Article 16(3), the DKU's advice on such questions is final and cannot be challenged in any court.

New posts written by this publication last week

• What is Article 30? - Precedence among the Ruling Chiefs, Set by the DKU. This sits in the Reference Library where we explain the key articles of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959 in detail.

• Why Is Everyone Posting “Akan Berkati Sekalian Yang Setia, Musuhnya Habis Binasa” from the Negeri Sembilan State Anthem? - “All who are loyal shall be blessed, his enemies utterly destroyed.”

• The 10 August Hearing Over the Negeri Sembilan Throne A review of the Kuala Lumpur judicial hearing, built from the court filing itself, on the plaintiffs' bid to compel the Menteri Besar to sign the disputed Proclamation and have it declared valid.

Sources:

• Kerajaan Negeri pertimbang wujud jawatan Timbalan Exco, perkukuh pentadbiran - MB Negeri Sembilan (Astro Awani, 4 August 2026)

• Negeri Sembilan mulls deputy Exco posts as Ismail settles new state cabinet (The Vibes, 4 August 2026)

• BN rejects speculation of PH role in Negeri Sembilan exco line-up (The Vibes, 5 August 2026)

• Turbulent tenure expected for new Negeri Sembilan MB (FMT, 5 August 2026)

• BN dapat 8 exco Negeri Sembilan, 2 PN? (FMT, 6 August 2026)

• BN tipped for 8 Negeri Sembilan exco posts, PN 2 (FMT, 6 August 2026)

• Kerajaan BN-PN Negeri Sembilan lengkap, 10 Exco angkat sumpah (Malaysia Gazette, 7 August 2026)

• 10 Negeri Sembilan Reps Take Oath as State Exco Members (FMT, 7 August 2026)

• Tuanku Muhriz reminds new N. Sembilan exco to reject abuse of power, prioritise people (Malay Mail, 7 August 2026)

• Lead with fairness, honesty (The Star, 8 August 2026)

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Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

A judicial review application concerning the disputed removal of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan was filed at the High Court of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur on 17 July 2026.

The ex parte application for leave was listed for hearing on 10 August at 9.30am before Puan Noriza binti Othman. The case number is WA-25-201-07/2026.

The plaintiffs ask the court to compel the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan to sign a Proclamation under Article 10(2) of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959. They also seek a declaration that the Proclamation is valid under Articles 10(1)(b) and 10(2).

How this publication obtained the document

Copies of the application have been circulating on Facebook on 6 and 7th August.

Documents filed through the Malaysian judiciary’s electronic filing system carry a serial number that can be checked through its document verification portal.

Using the serial number printed on the circulating extract (Oxak13/m90qB5RFe2vQjaQ), this publication independently retrieved and verified the four-page court document. It confirms the case number, parties, filing date and relief sought.

The court document places the case in the High Court of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur and a full English translation can be found here.

Who filed the case?

The four plaintiffs are named in the papers as:

• YTM Dato’ Klana Petra, Dato’ Haji Mubarak bin Thahak

• YTM Dato’ Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman, Dato’ Maarof bin Haji Mat Rashad

• YTM Dato’ Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Sitiawan, Dato’ Muhammed bin Haji Abdullah

• YTM Dato’ Sedia Raja, Dato’ Haji Abdul Rahim bin Haji Yasin

They are the four signatories to the declaration issued on 19 April purporting to remove Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

The defendants are:

1. Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan

2. Kerajaan (Government) of Negeri Sembilan

They are named by office rather than individual name. When the application was filed on 17 July, Aminuddin Harun was Menteri Besar (MB). Datuk Ismail Lasim took office on 2 August (Free Malaysia Today, 2 August 2026).

The supporting affidavit was affirmed by the third plaintiff, Muhammed Abdullah. The full supporting affidavit with an English translation can be found here.

What are they asking the court to do?

The application first seeks permission to begin judicial review proceedings.

It then asks for an order of mandamus:

“Suatu perintah Mandamus bagi mengarahkan Defendan Pertama menandatangani dokumen Perisytiharan seperti di eksibit DMA-1 menurut Perkara 10(2) Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan 1959 dalam tempoh tujuh (7) hari daripada perintah Mahkamah Yang Mulia ini.”

Translation:

An order of mandamus directing the First Defendant to sign the Proclamation document exhibited as DMA-1 pursuant to Article 10(2) of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959, within seven days of the court’s order.

The First Defendant is the Menteri Besar.

The plaintiffs also seek:

“Suatu deklarasi bahawa Dokumen Perisytiharan seperti di eksibit DMA-1 adalah dokumen Perisytiharan yang sah menurut Perkara 10(1)(b) dan 10(2) Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan 1959.”

Translation:

A declaration that the Proclamation document exhibited as DMA-1 is a valid Proclamation under Articles 10(1)(b) and 10(2) of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959.

The document exhibited as DMA-1 is the sabda issued at Balai Undang Sungei Ujong on 19 April 2026. An English translation appears in our Court Documents section: Exhibit DMA-1, 19 April 2026.

The plaintiffs are asking for the MB’s signature as well as the court to declare the 19 April Proclamation constitutionally valid.

Court documents sighted by The Edge record that the proclamation the plaintiffs seek to have signed would remove Tuanku Muhriz from the office of Yang di-Pertuan Besar and further proclaim Tunku Nadzaruddin as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar. The plaintiffs also seek a declaration that the document the four of them signed on 19 April is valid under the Negeri Sembilan Constitution (The Edge Malaysia, 7 August 2026).

What is mandamus?

Mandamus is a court order requiring a public official or body to perform a public duty imposed by law.

In simple terms, the court can compel someone to carry out an existing legal obligation. The applicant therefore has to establish that the obligation exists and that the legal conditions requiring its performance have arisen.

Here, the plaintiffs say Article 10(2) requires the MB to sign.

Why does the signature matter?

Article 10(2) provides that, after a Yang di-Pertuan Besar has been called upon to abdicate:

“as soon as possible thereafter a proclamation to that effect shall be issued under the hands of the Undangs and the Menteri Besar.”

The declaration issued on 19 April did not carry the MB’s signature.

Former Court of Appeal judge Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus identified that omission as one of several constitutional problems with the declaration (The Edge Malaysia, 22 April 2026).

The July application now asks the High Court to compel the MB to provide the signature required by Article 10(2).

That raises an obvious question: were the constitutional conditions necessary to require the MB’s signature satisfied in the first place?

Who is acting for the plaintiffs?

The application was filed by Azam Aziz & Co, acting as solicitors for the four plaintiffs.

The firm’s involvement is significant because its lawyer Mohd Khairul Azam Abdul Aziz has already appeared for the same bloc in the wider Negeri Sembilan dispute. He was identified in earlier reporting as counsel acting for the Undangs in proceedings arising from the DKU dispute (Malaysiakini, 12 June 2026).

Khairul Azam is also experienced in constitutional litigation involving royal powers. He has previously litigated the reach of the civil courts into royal constitutional power. He brought proceedings in February 2020 seeking declarations that the Pardons Board which advised on Anwar Ibrahim's 2018 pardon was improperly constituted and that the pardon was invalid. The Court of Appeal struck the suit out, and in January 2023 the Federal Court refused leave to appeal, holding that the question of non-justiciability was settled (Malay Mail, 10 January 2023).

Update: 10 August 2026

No leave hearing took place.

The matter came before Justice Norliza Othman for case management and was adjourned to 7 October 2026 (Free Malaysia Today, 10 August 2026).

Four applications to intervene

Four parties applied to be heard in the case.

The Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) and its secretary, Raja Norazli Raja Nordin, applied on 6 August to be added as third and fourth respondents, and for the applicants to furnish them with the full cause papers. They contended that they hold a direct interest in the matter, Tuanku Muhriz being chairman of the DKU, and that any purported removal would bear on the body’s governance, membership and functions. They further sought a stay of the leave application pending disposal of the intervention.

Faris Johari, the Undang of Sungei Ujong who replaced Mubarak, and Hassan Ab Hamid, the Undang of Rembau, each filed similar applications, separately represented.

Intervention matters here because the applicants chose their own respondents: the Menteri Besar and the state government. Anyone else affected by the outcome must obtain the court’s permission before filing evidence or making submissions.

What the interveners argued

The DKU and its secretary argued that the application, filed on 17 July, was brought out of time. They contended that the purported decision to remove Tuanku Muhriz was made on 5 March, which under Order 53 rule 3 of the Rules of Court 2012 would have required any leave application to be filed by 5 June.

The 5 March date comes from Muhammed Abdullah (Undang of Johol)’s sworn evidence. In his supporting affidavit, he stated that on 5 March he attended a DKU sitting at Istana Besar Seri Menanti, together with the First (Mubarak) and Second Plaintiffs (Maarof), chaired by Tuanku Muhriz, also attended by Tunku Besar Tampin and the Dato’ Shahbandar of Sungei Ujong, with the state legal adviser and the mufti present. He stated that the sitting became heated after Mubarak raised alleged breaches of Adat (customary law) by Tuanku Muhriz, that the four then withdrew and reconvened at Balai Undang Sungei Ujong, and that at the second gathering they listed the purported offences and concluded that Tuanku Muhriz was no longer qualified to hold office as the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Besar. He stated that no action followed from the state government, and that the four therefore proceeded as they did. The full supporting affidavit is available here.

The interveners further argued that the 19 April declaration under challenge was revoked by the DKU on 31 July, recorded in its official statement of 1 August, leaving nothing for the court to determine.

They contended that two of the applicants no longer held their respective Undang positions, and that a third was never lawfully installed as Undang of Rembau, the required customary installation having gone uncompleted. Muhammed Abdullah continues to hold office as Undang of Johol.

They said that the applicants had failed to disclose material facts, among them a separate originating summons in the Seremban High Court, an interim injunction granted against them on 5 June, and committal proceedings arising from alleged breaches of court orders. An interim stay granted by the Court of Appeal on 29 July remains in force.

On the substance, they argued that the purported declaration had been made without the full and complete enquiry required by Article 10(1), and without notice to Tuanku Muhriz or an opportunity for him to be heard. They further argued that no declaration bearing the signatures of the Undangs and the Menteri Besar, as Article 10(2) requires, was ever issued.

The question of forum

Justice Norliza directed counsel to determine whether the application should continue in Kuala Lumpur or be transferred to Seremban. She observed that the applicants had filed an earlier originating summons at the Seremban High Court in May which has yet to be heard, and instructed Khairul Azam to take instructions from his clients, to avoid the risk of conflicting decisions (The Edge Malaysia, 10 August 2026).

The application for a gag order

Khairul Azam made an oral application for a gag order prohibiting public discussion of the matter. The DKU and the Negeri Sembilan government opposed it on the ground that the case involves matters of public interest, and the court declined to grant it.

What happens on 7 October 2026

Parties return to the Kuala Lumpur High Court on 7 October to update the court on the progress of the case.

Read next: What Does the Negeri Sembilan Constitution Actually Say About Removing a Ruler?

If you are new to this Substack, and are not sure where to begin, visit our Start Here page, where we list all our articles organised by theme.

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Related Posts:

Sources:

• Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959

• Document Verifier (Jabatan Kehakiman Malaysia)

• Judicial Review Leave Application, filed 17 July 2026

• Supporting Affidavit of Muhammed Abdullah, 17 July 2026

• Exhibit DMA-1, 19 April 2026

• Opinion: Thoughts on the Negeri Sembilan constitution (The Edge Malaysia, 22 April 2026)

• Lawyer fails to get leave to challenge PM Anwar’s 2018 royal pardon (Malay Mail, 10 January 2023)

• Lawyer loses bid to challenge legality of Anwar’s royal pardon (The Edge Malaysia, 10 January 2023)

• Opinion: Thoughts on the Negeri Sembilan constitution (The Edge Malaysia, 22 April 2026)

• Lawyer claims Tunku Panglima Besar appointment unconstitutional (Malaysiakini, 12 June 2026)

• 7-term rep Ismail Lasim is 12th Negeri Sembilan MB (Free Malaysia Today, 2 August 2026)

• Court tells Undangs’ lawyer to decide whether to continue case in KL or Seremban (The Edge Malaysia, 10 August 2026)

• DKU, secretary seek to intervene in Negeri Sembilan ruler removal case (Free Malaysia Today, 10 August 2026)

Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

The words come from the state anthem, sung at every official ceremony for over a century. Accounts following the succession dispute have been posting the line on its own, as a statement of allegiance.

What do the lyrics say?

The anthem, “Berkatlah Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan”, runs to six lines.

The full text, with a plain English translation:

Berkatlah Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Blessed be the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan

Kurniai sihat dan makmur Grant him health and prosperity

Kasihi rakyat, lanjutkan umur May he cherish the people, and long may he live

Akan berkati sekalian yang setia All who are loyal shall be blessed

Musuhnya habis binasa His enemies utterly destroyed

Berkatlah Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Blessed be the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan

The anthem is a doa (prayer) for the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, the office established today under Article 7 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959.

Who wrote the anthem?

The anthem was adopted in 1911, during the reign of Tuanku Muhammad ibni Yamtuan Antah, the seventh Yang di-Pertuan Besar, who ruled from 1888 to 1933. The melody was composed by Andrew Caldecott, a British Malayan Civil Service officer then serving in the state, who went on to colonial governorships in Ceylon and Hong Kong. The lyrics are attributed to Tunku Zakaria Mambang. At 115 years old, the anthem is among the oldest state anthems in Malaysia, younger only than those of Perak and Johor.

The line musuhnya habis binasa has lived a full civic life outside royal ceremony. It serves as the motto of Negeri Sembilan FC, and in February 2026 the club released a third kit named after the phrase (Negeri Kita, 5 February 2026). For most of its existence the line has been shouted at football matches rather than typed into political threads.

The re-arrangement by Tunku Zain of the national anthem

The version of the anthem heard today is a modern rearrangement, and the identity of the arranger is where the story folds back into the present crisis.

The anthem was restored and rearranged by Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, the second son of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. Working with music teacher Chong Yew Boon and composer Johari Salleh, he produced arrangements for orchestra, school choir and military band, with the stated aim of preserving Caldecott’s original melody and the 1911 lyrics while renewing respect for the anthem among younger Malaysians.

The orchestral version was recorded with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and choir groups drawn from schools across the state, first performed publicly at the installation ceremonies of Tuanku Muhriz and Tuanku Aishah Rohani in 2009, and officially launched on 27 October 2010 (The Star, 30 October 2010,Utusan Malaysia, 28 October 2010).

Tunku Zain has held the title of Tunku Panglima Besar since 11 June 2026, conferred by his father after the previous holder forfeited it.

Why is the line circulating now?

Since the events of April and June 2026, social media posts from accounts supportive of Tuanku Muhriz have adopted musuhnya habis binasa as a form of declaration.

(Source: X)

Translation:

“But behind this success, they are tainted by the Istana issue. When the Chairman of Parti Wawasan himself installed a different Yamtuan from the existing one. And during the election, Wawasan and PAS engaged in plenty of derhaka (treasonous/disloyal) theatrics, siding with the old Undang. They started off with a degree of friction with the Istana.

To my mind, even if Rais Yatim’s son wins in Kelawang and there’s an attempt to put him forward as MB candidate, the Istana will never accept it. It may take waiting out two or three more elections. If his father still thinks he can play chess with the King.

The fact that the BN President had an audience with Yamtuan Tuanku Muhriz shows that BN recognises Tuanku and the Undangs who stand with Tuanku. That alone is enough to kill off Rais Yatim and his allies’ next move.

The biggest winner, in my view, is the Yamtuan of N9 and the Istana.

Though pressured and insulted, they simply stayed steady. The coup failed the first time, and failed the second time too.

The words of the Negeri Sembilan anthem ring true. Blessed be those who are loyal, their enemies utterly destroyed.

It’s just that, to my mind, enemies will always be lurking in every corner, and I’m sure the Yamtuan is keeping his guard up too. From this whole episode, His Majesty comes across as unruffled and wise.

Congratulations to BN-PN on the win. Now everyone can stop politicking and get to work.

With respect, Liyana Marzuki”

(Source: X)

Translation:

“Where have the supporters of the four Undangs and the Tunku Besar Tampin gone?

Where have the supporters of the ‘Twelfth Yamtuan’, Tunku Nadzaruddin, gone?

Where has the Klawang assemblyman gone, Danni Rais, son of TS Rais Yatim?

Meanwhile the new Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Datuk Ismail Lasim, has duly paid obeisance and sworn the oath of loyalty to Yamtuan Tuanku Muhriz, witnessed by the two Undangs of Luak Sungei Ujong and Luak Rembau at Istana Besar Seri Menanti.

It is finally proven that Yamtuan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir remains seated upon the throne.

‘All who are loyal shall be blessed. His enemies utterly destroyed!!!’”

The line has also appeared in published commentary. A Harapan Daily column by Azlan Zainal on the appointment of Datuk Ismail Lasim as Menteri Besar, published the morning after the swearing-in at Istana Besar Seri Menanti, closed with the same words, presented as vindicated by the outcome (Harapan Daily, 2 August 2026).

“Yang paling menyerlah ialah kebijaksanaan Istana dan kesabaran Tuanku Muhriz. Percaturan yang diatur dengan tenang akhirnya membuahkan hasil, manakala pihak yang lantang mencabar kini diam seribu bahasa.

Politik elit ini luar biasa, jadi tiada pelik institusi ini boleh bertahan ratusan tahun lamanya.

Maka benarlah kata “Akan berkati sekalian yang setia, musuhnya habis binasa!”

“What stands out most is the astuteness of the Istana and the patience of Tuanku Muhriz. The pieces, moved calmly across the board, ultimately bore fruit, while those who loudly mounted the challenge have now fallen completely silent.

This elite politics is remarkable, so it is no surprise that this institution has endured for hundreds of years.

Thus the words prove true: ‘All who are loyal shall be blessed, his enemies utterly destroyed!”

Social media sentiment of this kind is illustrative rather than representative, and this publication draws no conclusion from it about wider opinion in the state.

That this single line has re-emerged at all is nevertheless revealing. For more than a century it was simply part of a ceremonial anthem, heard at official functions and football matches alike.

In August 2026 it has acquired a second life, quoted as a shorthand for the constitutional struggle itself.

Footnote:

This publication has not independently verified the claims in social media posts.

If you are new to this Substack, and are not sure where to begin, visit our Start Here page, where we list all our articles organised by theme.

Start Here

Related Posts:

Sources:

• Lagu Negeri Sembilan (Portal Rasmi Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan)

• Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959

• Lagu kebesaran negeri digubah semula (Utusan Malaysia, 28 October 2010)

• Prince fine-tunes Negri Sembilan anthem (The Star, 30 October 2010)

• Lagu Kebesaran Negeri Sembilan | Berkatlah Yang Di-Pertuan Negeri Sembilan (Versi 2025) (YouTube, 9 March 2025)

• MPO memainkan Lagu Kebesaran Negeri Sembilan, ‘Berkatlah Yang di-Pertuan Besar’ (YouTube, July 2026)

• NSFC lancar kit ketiga 2025-2026 (Negeri Kita, 5 February 2026)

• Mana pergi penyokong Undang berempat dan Tunku Besar Tampin? (X post by @faizalriduan, 2 August 2026)

• Namun di sebalik kejayaan ini, mereka terpalit isu Istana (X post by @liyana_marzuki, 2 August 2026)

• Tok Jalal berputih mata, percaturan tenang Istana angkat Ismail Lasim jadi MB (Harapan Daily, 2 August 2026)

Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

27 July 2026, Mon: The Undangs and state chieftains filed a notice of appeal against the High Court’s 8 July decision to grant leave for committal proceedings, ahead of the hearing scheduled for the next day (The Edge Malaysia, 27 July 2026).

28 July 2026, Tue: The scheduled committal hearing was adjourned after the six individuals filed for an interim stay, to be heard at the Court of Appeal the following day. Separately, the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) and its secretary filed a fresh application for leave to cite the same six individuals for contempt, after earlier attempts to serve the original cause papers proved unsuccessful (FMT, 28 July 2026,The Star, 28 July 2026).

29 July 2026, Wed: The Court of Appeal granted a stay of the committal proceedings pending the outcome of the six individuals’ appeal, and fixed 30 July for case management to set an earliest hearing date (FMT, 29 July 2026).

30 July 2026, Thu: The Court of Appeal set 19 October for case management on the appeal. Separately, the Seremban High Court set 28 September for case management on the DKU’s fresh contempt application.

30 July 2026, Thu: Tuanku Muhriz ordered the revocation of two state honours conferred on former Menteri Besar Rais Yatim, the Darjah Seri Utama Negeri Sembilan (2001) and the Darjah Dato’ Setia Negeri Sembilan (1979), with immediate effect. The Straits Times, reporting the revocation as tied to Rais’s role in the palace crisis, traced that role back to 2022, when it said he encouraged the Undang of Jelebu to style himself “Sultan”, through to 5 June 2026, when Rais proclaimed Tuanku Muhriz’s cousin Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as Yang di-Pertuan Besar at the Melaka hotel event. The paper also reported that Rais had been acting as legal adviser to the Undangs without disclosing the engagement (The Straits Times, 30 July 2026,FMT, 30 July 2026).

31 July 2026, Fri: The DKU convened a special sitting at Istana Besar Seri Menanti, chaired by Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir and attended by the Undangs of Sungei Ujong and Rembau and the Tunku Besar of Seri Menanti, meeting the quorum required under Article 20 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959. Beforehand, the Datuk-Datuk Lembaga of Luak Jelebu said the sitting was called without proper notice and that the sitting Undang of Jelebu had not been invited (Sinar Harian, 31 July 2026).

1 August 2026, Sat: In an official statement, the DKU said it had received and recorded the Istiadat Menzahirkan Kejadian Undang (installation ceremony) of the new Undangs of Sungei Ujong and Rembau, both held on 27 June 2026, and had received and acknowledged a customary decision by the waris of three Perut in Luak Jelebu to dismiss Maarof Mat Rashad as Undang, effective 31 May 2023, leaving the Jelebu office vacant. The DKU also acknowledged the customary removal of the Dato’ Shahbandar of Sungei Ujong, Badarudin Abdul Khalid, effective 30 July 2026, and said that Mubarak Thahak, the removed Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong, along with Abdul Rahim Yasin and Maarof Mat Rashad, had each, at all material times, ceased to hold or never validly held their respective offices. The DKU further advised that the 19 April declaration was unconstitutional for breaching Article 10 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959, and confirmed Tuanku Muhriz’s position as Yang di-Pertuan Besar (Malaysiakini, 1 August 2026,FMT, 1 August 2026).

1 August 2026, Sat: Negeri Sembilan held its 16th state election. The Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional alliance won 25 of 36 seats, a two-thirds majority, ending Pakatan Harapan’s two-term hold on the state government. Official results, announced shortly after midnight, gave BN 18 seats, PH 11 and PN 7, on a turnout of 72.64%. Outgoing Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun lost his seat of Linggi, and DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke lost Chennah. (Malay Mail, 1 August 2026,The Edge Malaysia, 1 August 2026,FMT, 1 August 2026).

1 August 2026, Sat night: Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi sought an audience with Tuanku Muhriz at Istana Hinggap and presented an official letter with three names for the post of Menteri Besar, all from Barisan. Zahid said the choice rests with the Ruler’s absolute discretion and that the palace would announce its decision in due course (The Star, 2 August 2026,FMT, 2 August 2026).

2 August 2026, Sun: Juasseh assemblyman Datuk Ismail Lasim, the Kuala Pilah Umno chief, was sworn in as the new Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, taking his oath of office before Tuanku Muhriz at Istana Besar Seri Menanti at 11.29am. He takes over from Aminuddin Harun, who led the state for two terms since 2018 (FMT, 2 August 2026,New Straits Times, 2 August 2026).

Commentary worth reading

2 August 2026: In his titah (royal address) at the Istiadat Pelantikan dan Mengangkat Sumpah Menteri Besar (Installation and Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Menteri Besar), Tuanku Muhriz reminded the newly elected Adun to place the state’s and the people’s interests above political or personal interest, warning that any abuse of power, position or trust would tarnish the institution concerned. His Highness also reminded that Negeri Sembilan needs leaders who have high integrity, uphold dignity and hold fast to principles and noble values, and called on the new Menteri Besar and all Adun to respect the Royal Institution and recognise the authority vested in the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (FMT, 2 August 2026).

What we are watching for

• 7 August 2026, Fri: Ismail Lasim’s stated deadline for finalising the new Executive Council line-up, to be presented to Tuanku Muhriz for consent after consultation with the Barisan Nasional leadership. Speaking at his first press conference as Menteri Besar, he said the exco would remain at 10 members and include Perikatan Nasional assemblymen (The Star, 2 August 2026,FMT, 2 August 2026).

• The first sitting of the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly.

• 28 September 2026: Seremban High Court case management on the DKU’s fresh contempt application.

• 19 October 2026: Court of Appeal case management on the six individuals’ appeal against the original leave-for-contempt ruling.

Summary

On the constitutional and customary side, Tuanku Muhriz revoked both state honours held by Rais Yatim, the former Menteri Besar whose interventions have run through every stage of the crisis.

Two days later, the DKU issued a statement on the standing of the Undang offices and the 19 April declaration: the new Undangs of Sungei Ujong and Rembau are recorded as validly installed, the Undang of Jelebu is recorded as vacant, and Mubarak, Abdul Rahim Yasin and Maarof Mat Rashad are recorded as having held no valid office at the time they signed the 19 April declaration, which the DKU has now advised was itself unconstitutional.

On the electoral side, the state went to the polls and elected a new government on 1 August 2026. The choice of Menteri Besar, which under Article 36 and Article 38(2)(a) of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959 turns on the Ruler’s judgment of who commands the Assembly’s confidence, fell on Juasseh assemblyman Ismail Lasim. He was sworn in before Tuanku Muhriz on Sunday afternoon.

An interesting point to note is that Juasseh, the new Menteri Besar's seat, lies within the Tanah Mengandung: outside all four Undang territories. Negeri Sembilan's customary geography divides principally into the Luak Berundang (the Undang-governed Luaks of Sungei Ujong, Rembau, Jelebu and Johol) and the Luak Tanah Mengandung, the territories held directly under the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

As Juasseh lies within the Tanah Mengandung rather than a Luak Berundang, its customary authority runs through the Penghulu Luak to the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, rather than through an Undang.

In a year when the office of Undang is the contested institution, when two Undangs have just been removed, a third found improperly installed, two successors newly installed, and the Jelebu seat left vacant, and the “Undang Yang Empat”¹ of the 19 April declaration in open conflict with the throne, a head of government owing customary allegiance to no Undang territory removes a whole category of potential awkwardness.

Footnote:

¹ This publication uses the term "Undang Yang Empat" to refer to the four chieftains who signed the 19 April declaration. Mubarak Dohak ceased to hold office as Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong with effect from 13 May 2025. On 31 July 2026 the DKU further acknowledged the removal of Maarof Mat Rashad as Undang of Luak Jelebu with effect from 31 May 2023, and acknowledged that the appointment of Abdul Rahim Yasin as Undang of Luak Rembau was never completed. The removals were conducted under the custom of their Luaks and under Article 16(3), DKU acknowledgement on such questions is final and cannot be challenged in any court.

New posts written by this publication last week

• DKU Acknowledges Installation of Undangs Sungei Ujong and Rembau and Removal of Dato’ Shahbandar and Undang of Jelebu

• Who Appoints the Menteri Besar After the Negeri Sembilan Election?

Two posts in the Reference Library were published, where we explain the key Articles in the Negeri Sembilan Constitution1959.

• What is Article 36? - Appointment of Menteri Besar

• What is Article 38? - The Executive Council

Sources:

• The Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959

• Opinion: BN-PN likely to take control of Negeri Sembilan, Ong Kian Ming (The Edge Malaysia, 27 July 2026)

• Undangs appealing leave for contempt at Court of Appeal (The Edge Malaysia, 27 July 2026)

• Fresh contempt bid filed against 6 in Negeri Sembilan dispute (FMT, 28 July 2026)

• Negri Sembilan Royal Council launches fresh contempt bid against six individuals (The Star, 28 July 2026)

• Court grants stay on contempt proceedings against 6 in Negeri Sembilan dispute (FMT, 29 July 2026)

• Senior opposition figure Rais Yatim loses Negeri Sembilan royal titles over role in palace crisis (The Straits Times, 30 July 2026)

• Datuk Lembaga Luak Jelebu dakwa mesyuarat khas DKU tidak sah (Sinar Harian, 31 July 2026)

• 3 individu ‘singkir’ Tuanku Muhriz bukan lagi undang ketika itu, kata DKU (FMT, 1 August 2026)

• BN-PN claim victory in Negeri Sembilan polls (FMT, 1 August 2026)

• DKU isytihar pemecatan Undang Jelebu, Dato’ Shahbandar Sungai Ujong (Malaysiakini, 1 August 2026)

• N Sembilan state election live report: Official: BN-PN wins two-thirds majority in N Sembilan (The Edge Malaysia, 1 August 2026)

• (Unofficial) Negeri Sembilan polls: ‘PBN’ to form state govt, sets sights on Melaka next (Malay Mail, 1 August 2026)

• Undang Yang Empat, Tunku Besar Tampin dakwa keputusan Mesyuarat Khas DKU semalam terbatal, tak sah (Berita Harian, 1 August 2026)

• Zahid: BN and PN will partner to establish Negeri Sembilan administration (Malay Mail, 1 August 2026)

• 7-term rep Ismail Lasim is 10th Negeri Sembilan MB (FMT, 2 August 2026)

• Ismail Lasim sworn in as new Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar, Watch (New Straits Times, 2 August 2026)

• Three names submitted for Negri Mentri Besar post (The Star, 2 August 2026)

• Zahid leads delegation for audience with ruler (FMT, 2 August 2026)

• Tuanku Muhriz titah Adun N Sembilan dahulukan kepentingan rakyat (FMT, 2 August 2026)

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Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

With the results declared, Article 36 is the provision through which the next government formally comes into being.

The sequence now in motion runs in four steps:

• The caretaker period. The outgoing Executive Council continues in a caretaker role until a new Menteri Besar is appointed. The Constitution sets no deadline for this period, as noted above.

• The judgment. The Ruler forms a view, under Article 38(2)(a), on which member of the newly elected Assembly is likely to hold the confidence of at least 19 of its 36 members. With the BN-PN alliance holding 25 seats, the arithmetic answers most of the question.

• The Instrument. The appointment takes effect through the formal document Article 36(1) requires: an Instrument under the Ruler’s Sign Manual and State Seal.

• The rest of the Executive Council. The newly appointed Menteri Besar then advises on the appointment of between four and ten other members under Article 38(2)(b).

The first step toward the judgment came within hours of the results.

On the night of polling day, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi menghadap (presented himself in audience before) the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz, and handed over an official letter containing three names for the post of Menteri Besar, all of them from BN. Zahid said the Ruler holds absolute discretion in appointing the new Menteri Besar from the submitted list, that he had received the Ruler's consent to set up a new government, and that the palace will announce the chosen candidate in due course (The Star, 2 August 2026).

That procedure matches the constitutional design: the coalition proposes, and the judgment under Article 38(2)(a), followed by the Instrument under Article 36(1), belongs to the Ruler.

The question of before whom the oath would be taken had circulated throughout the campaign. In replies to this publication’s posts, several users asked a version of the same thing:

Translation: “Sorry to ask. If BN wins the state election, will they take the oath of office before the current Yang di-Pertuan Besar, or wait for a different one?”

Translation: “Want to see who the incoming Negeri Sembilan MB will take his oath in front of later on…”

Social media posts of this kind are illustrative of questions circulating during the campaign rather than a measure of wider opinion.

The question travelled beyond social media. Malaysiakini reported on polling day that rumours had circulated suggesting that, in the event of a BN victory, the swearing-in would be held before Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar, whom the organisers of the rival proclamation have named as Yang di-Pertuan Besar, at Istana Serting in Bahau rather than Seri Menanti (Malaysiakini, 1 August 2026).

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan denied the speculation, saying, in remarks carried by Utusan Malaysia, that it was a narrative aimed at turning voters against BN, and that he knew of no such plan. The same report carried lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali’s view that the new Menteri Besar must take the oath before Tuanku Muhriz, since the Seremban High Court’s injunction preserves the status quo and Tuanku Muhriz approved the dissolution of the Assembly that made the election possible (Malaysiakini, 1 August 2026).

Under Article 39, a member of the State Executive Council, which includes the Menteri Besar, may only sit or vote after taking the oath before “His Highness”, defined by Article 34 as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, elected in accordance with Article 7.

One further layer sits underneath the word “Ruler” in that sequence. The appointment of a Menteri Besar is listed in Article 40(2)(a) as a discretionary function, and Article 28(2) defines “Ruler” for those functions as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar together with at least three of the four Undangs, or at least two where only three Undangs hold office. The arithmetic in Article 28(2) therefore depends on who lawfully holds the office of Undang at the time the appointment is made.

That headcount moved on the eve of polling. The Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) met on 31 July, chaired by Tuanku Muhriz, and issued an official statement the following day. The DKU acknowledged the unanimous decision of the Waris, Anak Buah and Ibu Soko Waris Berundang of the Luak of Jelebu, drawn from the three Perut Kemin, to remove Maarof Mat Rashad as Undang of Luak Jelebu for offences against Adat, with effect from 31 May 2023, and declared the office vacant.

The DKU also affirmed the 27 June appointments of Muhammad Faris Johari as Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong and Raja Hassan Ab Hamid as Undang of Luak Rembau, maintained that removed Undang Mubarak ceased to hold office, and stated that Abdul Rahim Yasin’s appointment as Undang of Luak Rembau was never completed.

Removal of an Undang is a customary act of the Luak, which the DKU acknowledges under Article 16, and under Article 16(3) the DKU’s advice on such questions is final.

Three Undangs hold office at the time of the next Menteri Besar's appointment, the Undangs of Sungei Ujong, Rembau and Johol, with Jelebu vacant. The second limb of Article 28(2) therefore applies: the Yang di-Pertuan Besar together with at least two of the three.

The campaign ended with competing narratives about where the oath would be taken and before whom. The Constitution, however, leaves little room for uncertainty. Once the election produced a result, the machinery established by Articles 28, 36, 38, and 39 determines the next steps.

By the early morning after polling day, the coalition's audience with Tuanku Muhriz reflected that constitutional sequence already unfolding.

Who is the new Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan Ismail Lasim?

The appointment came the morning after the count.

Juasseh assemblyman Ismail Lasim took the oath of office as Menteri Besar before the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, at the Balairung Seri (Throne Room) of Istana Besar Seri Menanti at 11.29am on 2 August (FMT, 2 August 2026,NST, 2 August 2026).

The 67-year-old Menteri Besar brings a long apprenticeship to the office. A law graduate of Universiti Malaya, Ismail began his career as an advocate and solicitor with Messrs Halim & Ismail from 1995 to 1997 before moving into politics (NST, 2 August 2026).

Since then he has won seven state elections, making him one of Negeri Sembilan’s more experienced state politicians.

Elections won

• Senaling (1999, 2004, 2008, 2013)

• Juasseh (2018)

• Senaling (2023)

• Juasseh (2026)

Juasseh, the new Menteri Besar's seat, lies within the Tanah Mengandung: outside all four Undang territories.

Under Adat, every piece of Negeri Sembilan sits under a customary authority: Luak Berundang (the Undang-governed Luaks of Sungei Ujong, Rembau, Jelebu and Johol), the Tanah Mengandung, the territories held directly under the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. A Menteri Besar whose home ground is the Tanah Mengandung has, in customary terms, no Undang above him.

His kampung's customary superior is the Yang di-Pertuan Besar himself. In a year when the office of Undang is the contested institution, when two Undang have just been removed, another's seat declared vacant, two newly installed, and the previous “Undang Yang Empat” in open conflict with the throne, the head of government owing customary allegiance to no Undang territory removes a whole category of potential awkwardness.

Whatever happens next in the Luak disputes, the Menteri Besar's own ground is outside all of them.

Executive experience

Ismail has extensive executive experience, spanning two administrations:

• Public Works, Communications, Telecommunications and Post (2004-2008, under Mohamad Hasan)

• Infrastructure, Water, Energy and Telecommunications (2008-2013, under Mohamad Hasan)

• Unity and National Integration (2013-2018, under Mohamad Hasan)

• Education and Human Capital (2023-2026, under Aminuddin Harun, after BN entered the PH-led state government; held until the Assembly was dissolved)

His Assembly career has run alongside almost the whole of Tuanku Muhriz's reign, which began in December 2008, including some thirteen years in the executive.

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Related Posts:

Sources:

• The Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan, 1959

• Lawyer: New N Sembilan MB must take oath before Tuanku Muhriz (Malaysiakini, 1 August 2026)

• LIVE: Polling ends, vote counting for Negeri Sembilan polls begins (Free Malaysia Today, 1 August 2026)

• Trio who ‘removed’ Tuanku Muhriz not undangs then, says DKU (Free Malaysia Today, 1 August 2026)

• Official Results: Negeri Sembilan Polls 2026 (Bernama, 2 August 2026)

• Three names submitted for Negri Mentri Besar post (The Star, 2 August 2026)

• Ismail Lasim sworn in as new Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar (New Straits Times, 2 August 2026)

• 7-term rep Ismail Lasim is 10th Negeri Sembilan MB (Free Malaysia Today, 2 August 2026)

• Who is Negri Sembilan’s new Menteri Besar, Datuk Ismail Lasim? (New Straits Times, 2 August 2026)

Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

Full Translation

OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION
DEWAN KEADILAN DAN UNDANG NEGERI SEMBILAN

The Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) convened on 16 Safar 1448 Hijrah, corresponding to 31 July 2026, chaired by His Royal Highness the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, and attended by the Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong, the Undang of Luak Rembau, and the Tunku Besar Seri Menanti, satisfying the quorum requirement under Article 20 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959 (UUTKNS). At this sitting the DKU considered and accepted the following matters:

FIRST: The DKU recorded the Istiadat Menzahirkan Kejadian Undang (the customary installation ceremony) of the Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong, Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Klana Petra Muhammad Faris bin Johari (27 June 2026), and accordingly advised that his recognition as Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong, validly appointed according to the Adat of Luak Sungei Ujong, be accepted.

SECOND: The DKU recorded the Istiadat Menzahirkan Kejadian Undang of the Undang of Luak Rembau, Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Sedia Raja Haji Hassan bin Ab Hamid (27 June 2026), and accordingly advised that his recognition as Undang of Luak Rembau, validly appointed according to the Adat of Luak Rembau, be accepted.

THIRD: The DKU received and recorded information from the Ibu Soko and Anak-Anak Waris of Ayer Luak Sungei Ujong stating that the holder of the pusaka (hereditary title) Yang Amat Mulia Dato’ Shahbandar, Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Badarudin bin Abdul Khalid, had been removed according to the custom of Luak Sungei Ujong, effective 30 July 2026. Accordingly, under Article 15(1) of the Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan 1959, the office of Dato’ Shahbandar Sungei Ujong is automatically vacant. The DKU noted that the process to complete the appointment of a new Dato’ Shahbandar Sungei Ujong, in accordance with the Adat of Luak Sungei Ujong, has not yet been finalised.

FOURTH: His Royal Highness the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir then invoked Fasal 24 of the UUTKNS, inviting representatives of the Ibu Soko Waris Berundang to a Special Sitting of the DKU. The DKU dealt fully and fairly with a complaint from Luak Jelebu, and hereby advised that it accepts the unified position taken by the Waris, Anak Buah and Ibu Soko Waris Berundang of the three Perut — Kemin Teriang, Kemin Beringin and Kemin Bemban — to dismiss Dato’ Haji Maarof bin Mat Rashad as the 16th holder of the pusaka of Undang Luak Jelebu, effective from 31 May 2023, on the customary offences. The office of Undang Luak Jelebu is accordingly automatically vacant, and any actions taken by Dato’ Haji Maarof after 31 May 2023 are to be treated as invalid. The Darjah Tertinggi Negeri Sembilan (DTNS, the state’s highest honour) used by Dato’ Haji Maarof while holding the office of Undang Luak Jelebu is also thereby forfeited.

The State Government is directed to take appropriate steps to give effect to the DKU’s considerations set out above.

FIFTH: Finally, the announcement contained in the document dated 19 April 2026 was brought to the DKU’s attention. The DKU advised and declared that the announcement is unconstitutional and contravenes Article 10 of the Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan 1959, and is therefore invalid and of no effect.

The DKU further advised and determined that the persons purportedly holding the offices of Undang Luak Sungei Ujong, Undang Luak Rembau and Undang Luak Jelebu — namely Haji Mubarak bin Thahak, Haji Abdul Rahim bin Haji Yasin and Haji Maarof bin Haji Mat Rashad respectively — had, at all material times, ceased to hold, or never validly held, their respective offices. The Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong and the Undang of Luak Jelebu were each removed according to their Luak’s custom on the applicable date, and the purported Undang of Luak Rembau was never validly appointed according to the required custom, his appointment never having been completed through the Istiadat Menzahirkan Kejadian Undang. Accordingly, they had no legal authority to exercise any power under Article 10 of the Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan 1959.

Secretary
Dewan Keadilan dan Undang Negeri Sembilan
1 August 2026

What this means

On 1 August 2026, the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) issued an official proclamation (Perutusan Rasmi) recording the outcomes of a sitting held on 31 July 2026. The document was chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir and attended by the Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong, the Undang of Luak Rembau, and the Tunku Besar Seri Menanti, meeting the quorum requirement under Article 20 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959.

• The formal DKU acknowledgement of the two 27 June installations, Undang of Sungei Ujong and Undang Rembau.

• The removal of the Dato’ Shahbandar of Sungei Ujong by Waris Ayer according to the Adat of Luak Sungei Ujong.

• The backdated dismissal of the Undang of Jelebu to 31 May 2023, more than three years before this proclamation, is the most consequential single item, since it retroactively voids every action he is recorded as having taken in that office since that date.His Darjah Tertinggi Negeri Sembilan (DTNS), the state's highest honour, is also revoked.

• The DKU addressed the announcement dated 19 April 2026 and declared it unconstitutional, in breach of Article 10 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959, and therefore invalid and without effect.

  • The DKU further advised and determined that the individuals purportedly holding the offices of Undang Luak Sungei Ujong, Undang Luak Rembau, and Undang Luak Jelebu, namely Mubarak, Abdul Rahim, and Maarof respectively, had at all material times either ceased to hold, or never validly held, those offices.

  • The Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong and the Undang of Luak Jelebu were each removed according to their Luak's Adat on the applicable dates. The purported Undang of Luak Rembau, the DKU stated, was never validly appointed, his installation never having been completed through the Istiadat Menzahirkan Kejadian Undang. On this basis, the DKU found that none of the three had legal authority to exercise any power under Article 10 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959.

Do the removed Undang of Jelebu’s objections hold up?

On 31 July, ahead of the sitting, the Dato’ Dato’ Lembaga of Luak Jelebu issued a joint statement objecting to the special DKU meeting (The Star, 1 August 2026).

The statement runs on five main grounds:

The claim that the new Undangs could not sit before DKU confirmation. Article 17 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959 ties DKU membership to the office, an Undang is made by his Luak, and the Constitution contains no requirement of DKU confirmation before a new Undang takes his seat.

The quorum claim. Article 20 bars business when fewer than one-half of the members are present besides the presiding member, so everything turns on the membership count. On the proclamation's own account, with the Jelebu office vacant since May 2023, the Shahbandar office vacant from 30 July, and the two new Undangs validly installed, the membership (excluding chair) stood at five, and the three members present besides the presiding Tuanku Muhriz cleared the threshold. A further argument circulated from the Jelebu camp presents the sitting as a three-vote division in which the chairman could cast no vote; however, the DKU's function is to advise and acknowledge rather than to decide by vote.

The caretaker government claim. The caretaker convention restrains the elected executive between dissolution and the formation of a new government, and the DKU, a royal and customary body under Articles 16 to 25, sits outside it.

The 5 June injunction claim. The 5 June order, as reported, restrains six named plaintiffs from convening or holding DKU meetings, and on the recorded attendance every person in the room on 31 July, including the presiding Yang di-Pertuan Besar under Article 19, sat outside its reach (The Star, 5 June 2026, Free Malaysia Today, 5 June 2026).

The claim that only the Dato'-Dato' Lembaga can decide Luak Jelebu matters. The DKU’s official statement instead accepts the united position of the Waris, Anak Buah and Ibu Soko Waris Berundang of the three Perut. Which group is entitled to speak authoritatively for the custom of Luak Jelebu is itself a question of custom, and Article 16 provides that the DKU's advice on questions relating to custom is final.

Summary

According to the Adat of each Luak, the titles were removed by their Waris. On 1 August 2026, the DKU formally acknowledged those removals in accordance with the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959.

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Related Posts:

Sources:

• Objection by Dato' Lembaga Luak Jelebu, joint statement and press conference video posted by Nordanial Hamzah (Facebook, 31 July 2026)

• Trio who removed Tuanku Muhriz no longer undangs by then, says DKU (FMT, 1 August 2026)

• Negri DKU recognises new Sungai Ujong, Rembau ruling chiefs, declares Jelebu office vacant (The Star, 1 August 2026)

Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

Article 38 sits in Chapter 2 of the Second Part of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959, under the heading ‘Executive’.

(Note: Based on Article 28(2), “Ruler” here refers to His Highness and at least three of the four Undangs, or at least two if only three Undangs hold office.)

While Article 36 fixes the paperwork for appointing a Menteri Besar, Article 38 is the Article that builds the Council itself.

It sets the test for choosing the Menteri Besar, the process for appointing the remaining members, the principle of collective responsibility, the resignation trigger when confidence is lost, the tenure of ordinary members, and a conflict of interest bar.

What each clause means

Article 38(1): The Ruler’s duty to appoint an Executive Council

(1) The Ruler shall appoint an Executive Council.

This clause is a duty, not an option. The word “shall” leaves no room for the state to be run without a constituted Executive Council in place.

Article 38(2)(a): The confidence test for choosing the Menteri Besar

(2) The Executive Council shall be appointed as follows, that is to say:

(a) the Ruler shall first appoint as Menteri Besar to preside over the Executive Council a member of the Legislative Assembly who in His judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the Assembly; and

Three conditions sit inside this single sentence. The appointee must already be a member of the Legislative Assembly. The test is a test of confidence, meaning the support of a majority of the Assembly’s members, not popularity, seniority, or any other measure.

The judgment on who meets that test belongs to the Ruler, formed by looking at the composition of the Assembly rather than by conducting a floor vote before the appointment is made. Article 36(1) then requires this choice to be formalised through an Instrument executed under the Ruler’s Sign Manual and State Seal.

Article 38(2)(b): The four to ten range on the Menteri Besar’s advice, and the limits on appointments made during a dissolution

(b) He shall on the advice of the Menteri Besar appoint not more than ten nor less than four other members from among the members of the Legislative Assembly, (Enactment No. 10/1995)

but if an appointment is made while the Legislative Assembly is dissolved a person who was a member of the last Legislative Assembly may be appointed but shall not continue to hold office after the first sitting of the next Legislative Assembly unless he is a member thereof.

Once the Menteri Besar is in place, the remaining Council is built on his advice rather than the Ruler’s personal judgment, and it must number no fewer than four and no more than ten members, all drawn from the Legislative Assembly. The clause then anticipates the gap that opens when an Assembly stands dissolved ahead of an election. A person who sat in the outgoing Assembly may still be appointed to the Council during that gap, but the appointment does not survive the first sitting of the new Assembly unless that person has been re-elected as a member of it.

Article 38(3): The Executive Council’s collective responsibility to the Legislative Assembly

(3) The Executive Council shall be collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly.

The Council answers to the Assembly as a body. No individual member’s accountability substitutes for the Council’s, and no member is shielded from a collective reckoning by having personally opposed a decision inside the Council’s own deliberations.

Article 38(4): The resignation duty when the Menteri Besar loses confidence, and the dissolution option

(4) If the Menteri Besar ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the Legislative Assembly, then, unless at his request the Ruler dissolves the Legislative Assembly, he shall tender the resignation of the Executive Council.

Losing majority confidence carries one of two consequences. The default is resignation of the whole Council. The alternative, a dissolution of the Assembly, is available only if the Menteri Besar requests it and the Ruler agrees. Article 40(2)(b) separately places the withholding of consent to a dissolution request among the functions the Ruler may exercise in his own discretion, which means the choice between these two paths is not automatic on either side.

Article 38(5): Tenure at the Ruler’s pleasure, and revocation on the Menteri Besar’s advice

(5) Subject to Clause (4), a member of the Executive Council other than the Menteri Besar shall hold office at the Ruler’s pleasure, unless the appointment of any member of the Executive Council shall have been revoked by the Ruler on the advice of the Menteri Besar but any member of the Council may at any time resign his office. (Enactment No. 9/1963)

Ordinary members serve at the Ruler’s pleasure and can be removed if the Ruler acts on the Menteri Besar’s advice to revoke an appointment, or they may resign on their own initiative at any time. The Menteri Besar’s own position is excluded from this clause. He is not removed by a simple revocation of appointment; his tenure runs through the confidence mechanism in Clause (4) instead.

Article 38(6): The bar on trade, business, or professional conflicts of interest

(6) A member of the Executive Council shall not engage in any trade, business or profession connected with any subject or department for which he is responsible and shall not, so long as he is engaged in any trade, business or profession, take part in any decision of the Executive Council relating to that trade, business or profession or in any decision likely to affect his pecuniary interest therein.

A member cannot hold a trade, business, or profession that connects to the portfolio he is responsible for, and even where the connection falls short of that, he must step back from any Council decision that touches his own pecuniary interest.

What Article 38 does not say

• Article 38 leaves the Ruler’s judgment on ‘likely to command the confidence of the majority’ unstructured on the face of the text, without requiring a floor vote, a signed statement of support, or any other formal mechanism before the appointment itself is made.

• Article 38 does not identify which ‘Ruler’ exercises the Article 38(2)(a) appointment power, whether the Yang di-Pertuan Besar acting alone or a composite body. That classification runs through Article 40(2)(a), which lists the appointment of a Menteri Besar among the functions the Ruler may exercise in his own discretion, and Article 28(2), which defines ‘Ruler’ for those discretionary functions as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar together with at least three of the four Undangs, or at least two where only three currently hold office.

• Article 38 sets a numeric floor and ceiling for ordinary Council membership but does not fix the quorum needed to transact Council business. That figure appears separately in Article 42.

• Article 38 does not describe the oath a member must take before sitting or voting. That requirement is set out in Article 39.

• Article 38(4) does not specify how a loss of confidence is to be demonstrated, leaving open whether a recorded Assembly vote, a public withdrawal of support by enough members to break the majority, or some other event satisfies the threshold.

• Article 38 does not condition Council membership on belonging to any particular political party. The test throughout is confidence and Assembly membership, not partisan affiliation.

How Article 38 came under strain in 2026

Both halves of Article 38, the confidence mechanism and the appointment mechanism, have been tested this year.

On 27 April 2026, all 14 Barisan Nasional assemblymen announced they were withdrawing support from Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun, with Perikatan Nasional’s five assemblymen expressing readiness to work with them, a combination that would hold 19 of the Assembly’s 36 seats (Malay Mail, 27 April 2026,The Edge Malaysia, 27 April 2026). Tuanku Muhriz decreed that Aminuddin continue in office until there was further clarity, in line with the law of the state (The Star, 27 April 2026).

Within days the withdrawal reversed: on 30 April, after discussions with UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, all 14 agreed to remain within the unity government framework (FMT, 30 April 2026,The Star, 30 April 2026).

The episode ended in the clause’s second path. On 4 June 2026, Tuanku Muhriz consented to a dissolution of the Dewan Undangan Negeri on the Menteri Besar’s advice, the Assembly stood dissolved the following day (Malay Mail, 4 June 2026,FMT, 4 June 2026), and the Election Commission fixed polling day for 1 August 2026 (Bernama, 12 June 2026).

After 1 Aug polling, Article 38 runs again from the top: a Menteri Besar chosen under the Article 38(2)(a) confidence test, then four to ten members appointed on his advice under Article 38(2)(b).

The appointment of the Menteri Besar is an Article 40(2)(a) discretionary function, so Article 28(2)’s definition of “Ruler” applies, and that composite body may itself change before the polls close: The Straits Times reported on 30 July, citing unnamed sources, that the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) was convened for 31 July, the eve of polling, to acknowledge the removal of the Undang of Jelebu, Maarof Mat Rashad (The Straits Times, 30 July 2026).

The contest itself is multi-cornered across all 36 seats (The Edge Malaysia, 27 July 2026). Any side reaching 19 seats answers the Article 38(2)(a) question by arithmetic. Anything short of that, whether an 18–18 deadlock or a fragmented field topping out at 17, makes the Ruler’s judgment the operative decision.

Footnote: The Constitution numbers its Articles in Roman numerals. This publication uses Arabic numerals for readability.

Sources:

• Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959

• Aminuddin to stay on as Negri MB following Ruler’s decree (The Star, 27 April 2026)

• N. Sembilan Umno bloc withdraws support for MB Aminuddin Harun, claims loss of confidence (Malay Mail, 27 April 2026)

• Negeri Sembilan govt at risk of collapse after Umno withdraws support for MB amid ruler dispute (The Edge Malaysia, 27 April 2026)

• 14 Umno reps still support Negeri Sembilan unity govt, says Zahid (FMT, 30 April 2026)

• Negri Sembilan crisis: 14 assemblymen agree to remain in the state unity government, says Zahid (The Star, 30 April 2026)

• Countdown to election: Negeri Sembilan MB announces formal dissolution of state assembly (Malay Mail, 4 June 2026)

• Negeri Sembilan assembly to be dissolved tomorrow (FMT, 4 June 2026)

• Johor State Election On July 11, Negeri Sembilan On Aug 1 - EC (Bernama, 12 June 2026)

• The Week Ahead: Attention on Negeri Sembilan election and US monetary policy decision (The Edge Malaysia, 27 July 2026)

• Chieftain dismissed, titles revoked: Negeri Sembilan palace readies to swear in next government (The Straits Times, 30 July 2026)

Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.

Article 36 sits in Chapter 2 of the Second Part of the Constitution, under the heading “Executive” and explains how the Ruler appoints the person who will run the government day to day: the Menteri Besar.

(Note: Based on Article 28(2), “Ruler” here refers to His Highness and at least three of the four Undangs, or at least two if only three Undangs hold office.)

How the Ruler decides whom to pick as Menteri Besar is set in Article 38(2)(a).

Article 36 covers three things instead: the paperwork the appointment must take, the qualifications the appointee must meet, and a narrow power the Ruler holds to waive those qualifications.

What each clause means

Article 36(1): The Instrument of appointment, and the Article 38(2)(a) test it follows

(1) The Ruler shall appoint, by Instrument under His Sign Manual and State Seal, a Menteri Besar in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a) of Clause (2) of Article XXXVIII.

Two things happen in this clause. First, it fixes the form the appointment must take: a formal Instrument, executed under the Ruler’s Sign Manual and State Seal. This represents the paperwork.

Second, it ties that Instrument to a condition (a confidence test) defined in Article 38(2)(a): the Ruler must first appoint, as Menteri Besar, a member of the Legislative Assembly who in his judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the Assembly’s members.

Article 36(2): The race and religion qualification for the office

(2) Subject to the provision of Clause (3) of this Article no person shall be appointed as a Menteri Besar unless he is of the Malay race and professes the Muslim Religion.

The rule limits the office to a person who is of the Malay race and a Muslim. The clause opens with “Subject to the provision of Clause (3)”, which signals that the restriction is not absolute. The next clause supplies the exception.

Article 36(3): The Ruler’s power to waive the qualification

(3) In appointing a Menteri Besar the Ruler may, in His discretion dispense with any provision in the Constitution of this State restricting His choice of a Menteri Besar, if in His opinion it is necessary to do so in order to comply with the provisions of paragraph (a) of Clause (2) of Article XXXVIII.

This power is narrow. The Ruler may set aside a rule that limits his choice of Menteri Besar, including the race and religion rule in Article 36(2), but only if he must do so to satisfy the confidence test in Article 38(2)(a).

The waiver serves one purpose: it covers the case where the person who commands the majority is not Malay or Muslim. The Constitution leaves the details to the Ruler’s judgment and describes no further conditions.

Article 36(4): The bar on naturalised and registered citizens

(4) Notwithstanding anything in this Article, a person who is a citizen by naturalisation or by registration under Article 17 of the Federal Constitution shall not be appointed a Menteri Besar.

Clause (4) opens with “Notwithstanding anything in this Article”, placing it outside the reach of the Article 36(3) discretion. A citizen by naturalisation, or by registration under Article 17 of the Federal Constitution, cannot be appointed Menteri Besar, and the Ruler’s power under Article 36(3) to dispense with restrictions does not extend to this bar.

What Article 36 does not say

• It leaves the test for choosing among candidates to Article 38(2)(a). Article 36 handles the paperwork and the qualifications; the judgment about who commands the majority belongs to Article 38(2)(a).

• It applies the meaning of “Ruler” to Article 28. This Menteri Besar appointment requires His Highness and at least three of the four Undangs, or at least two if only three Undangs hold office to make the decision.

• It sets no deadline. The Constitution stays silent on how quickly the appointment must follow an election, a resignation, or a loss of confidence.

• It does not require the appointee to belong to any particular party. The test asks whether a member holds majority confidence in the Assembly, whatever party that member comes from.

• It gives no procedure for how the Ruler forms his judgment. Beyond the signature and seal on the Instrument itself, the Constitution stays silent on whether the Ruler consults, counts signed statements of support, or follows some other practice. This has been left to convention.

Why Article 36 matters

The Article came into live operation after the 1 August 2026 state election, in which BN won 18 seats, PN 7 and PH 11, giving the BN-PN alliance 25 of 36 (Bernama, 2 August 2026).

The sequence as it unfolded is covered in Who Appoints the Menteri Besar After the Negeri Sembilan Election?. Through the campaign, replies and quote posts on social media kept circling one question: with two men claiming the office of Yang di-Pertuan Besar, before whom would a new Menteri Besar be sworn in, and whose signature would sit on the appointment?

By polling day the question had reached the mainstream press, with Malaysiakini reporting rumours of a swearing-in before the rival claimant at Istana Serting, denied by Umno's deputy president the same day (Malaysiakini, 1 August 2026).

BN's answer came within hours of the count, when its chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi handed Tuanku Muhriz a letter carrying three names for the post. Asked whether outgoing Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun should vacate the official residence immediately, Zahid said there was no urgency, that Aminuddin should be given time, and that "we must have a sense of humanity and respect" for the departing side (The Star, 2 August 2026).

Summary

Read alone, Article 36 looks procedural. Read with Article 38(2)(a), it becomes the final step in a longer sequence that starts with the composition of a newly elected Assembly and ends in a single signature.

Read next: What is Article 38 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959?

Footnote: The Constitution numbers its Articles in Roman numerals. This publication uses Arabic numerals for readability.

Our posts referencing Article 36 or the Menteri Besar

• Proper Processes Exist to Remove a MB and YDPB, They Were Not Followed: Anthony Loke

• Who Appoints the Menteri Besar After the Negeri Sembilan Election?

Sources:

• The Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan, 1959

• Lawyer: New N Sembilan MB must take oath before Tuanku Muhriz (Malaysiakini, 1 August 2026)

• Official Results: Negeri Sembilan Polls 2026 (Bernama, 2 August 2026)

• Three names submitted for Negri Mentri Besar post (The Star, 2 August 2026)

Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.