Joint Media Statement: 29 May 2026
An English translation of the joint media statement issued by six signatories on 29 May announcing the removal of the DKU Secretary
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the Master of the Messengers, his family and all his companions.
AL-WATHIQU BILLAH, His Royal Highness Dato’ Klana Petra Dato’ Haji Mubarak Bin Thahak, Undang Luak Sungai Ujong; His Royal Highness Dato’ Mendika Menteri Akhiruzaman Dato’ Maaroof Bin Haji Mat Rashad, Undang Luak Jelebu; His Royal Highness Dato’ Muhammed Bin Haji Abdullah, Undang Luak Johol; His Royal Highness Dato’ Sedia Raja Dato’ Haji Abdul Rahim Bin Haji Yasin, Undang Luak Rembau; His Royal Highness Dato’ Lela Perkasa Sitiawan Dato’ Johan Pahlawan, Tunku Besar Tampin (Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Syed Razman Bin Syed Idrus Al-Qadri); and His Highness Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Badaruddin Bin Haji Abdul Khalid, Dato’ Shahbandar Sungai Ujong:
WHEREAS We are deeply angered and disappointed by the failure of Raja Norazli Bin Raja Nordin to comply with the order and decree of Us as the Joint Ruler (Co-Ruler) of the Government of Negeri Sembilan, in his capacity as Majority Member (Ahli Majoriti) of the Council of Justice and Laws of the State (Dewan Keadilan dan Undang Negeri Sembilan – DKU), to convene the call for a Special Council Meeting of the DKU on this day, 29 May 2026.
WHEREAS the conduct of Raja Norazli Bin Raja Nordin is reckless, contrary to customary rules, and highly inappropriate. He is in truth no longer fit to serve as Secretary of the Council of Justice and Laws of Negeri Sembilan. We affirm that the DKU is the absolute customary right of its members as set out in Article 17 of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, in accordance with established practice, and is not the property of any individual — let alone Tunku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, whose status and position as Power-Holder (Punca Kuasa) has been stripped by way of a binding and lawful unanimous decision of the rightful customary holders. Any decision taken by the Secretary of the DKU on behalf of the DKU must carry the consent of the majority of members, and not merely on the instruction of one or two individuals, or be influenced by directions from any party not a member (tiada locus standi) of the DKU or of the administration of the Negeri Sembilan Government.
There is no power of individual veto within the DKU. Therefore all correspondence issued in the name of the DKU bearing the signature of Raja Norazli Bin Raja Nordin after the date of 17 April 2026 is without the mandate of the consensus of DKU members, amounts to misuse of the institution and position, is not binding, is defective both in customary and statutory terms, and constitutes an attempt to mislead the Malay community and the Government of the Federation. Article 17 of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 states as follows:
Members of the Council
This Council shall comprise His Royal Highness, the Undang Yang Empat, and the Tunku Besar Tampin, Tengku Besar Seri Menanti, Dato’ Shahbandar Sungai Ujong, and whoever else is a Malay dignitary appointed from time to time for any period determined by His Royal Highness in the Undang Yang Empat.
WHEREAS We also express our profound disappointment at the failure of the Honourable Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, the Honourable State Secretary of Negeri Sembilan, and the Honourable State Legal Adviser of Negeri Sembilan to act in a neutral manner during this crisis, which has now been prolonged and worsened. What is our standing in the view of the Honourable Menteri Besar, the Honourable State Secretary and the Honourable State Legal Adviser? We assert that the powers conferred by the Federal Constitution and the State Constitution upon the Yang Di-Pertuan Besar are likewise conferred jointly upon Us as the Government. There can be no division. It is time the Honourable Menteri Besar, the Honourable State Secretary and the Honourable State Legal Adviser truly understood the express provisions of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 concerning Our powers and position. Accordingly, We find it necessary, for the administration of the Government of Negeri Sembilan, to take a stand of principle and not act “lebih sudu dari kuah” (”more spoon than gravy”) nor “ibarat kerbau dicucuk hidung” (”like a buffalo led by the nose”), and to take steps that are reasonable and necessary to give voice to the call for Us to exercise Our customary powers and duties as set out in resolving this turmoil and confusion. Nor should they act in the manner of “lempar batu sembunyi tangan” (”throwing a stone and hiding the hand”).
WHEREAS in light of these increasingly pressing latest circumstances concerning the issues arising from the turmoil in customary administration and governance of Negeri Sembilan, consistent with customary practice and Article 16(1) and (3) of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 — which confer absolute power upon the DKU to deliberate any matter relating to customary affairs and duties in Negeri Sembilan — We, as members of the DKU and the majority thereof in accordance with practice and as provided under Article 17 of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, hereby unanimously summon and set a new date for the Special Meeting of the DKU on Friday, 5 June 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Balai Rasmi YTM Tunku Besar Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, to deliberate the said matter. The convening of this Special Meeting of the DKU is imperative for the sake of customary administration in particular, and the wellbeing of Negeri Sembilan in general. “Biar mati anak jangan mati adat” (”Let the child die, but never let custom die”).
WHEREAS on the strength of the power conferred upon Us as the majority of DKU members, and with reference to Article 24 of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, We have unanimously resolved to invite the Chief Secretary to the Government (Ketua Setiausaha Negara), the Attorney General (Peguam Negara), and the Inspector-General of Police (Ketua Polis Negara) as invitees and independent observers. This invitation is appropriate and reasonable in light of the unprofessional conduct and continuing dereliction of duty by the Secretary of the DKU and the administration of the State Government of Negeri Sembilan in carrying out their duties, and further to the failure to give effect to the decree of Us alongside YTM Undang Yang Empat as members of the DKU and concurrently the Joint Ruler (Co-Ruler) of the State Government of Negeri Sembilan, in exercising the powers and duties conferred upon Us. Article 24 of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 provides as follows:
Attendance of persons other than members
The Council may permit any person to be present at its sittings if it is deemed reasonable for that person to be present.
WHEREAS, in light of the continuing neglect and failure of Raja Norazli Bin Raja Nordin to carry out his duties and responsibilities, We hereby unanimously invoke the provisions of Article 21 of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 to suspend the duties of Raja Norazli Bin Raja Nordin and thereafter appoint a Special Committee to exercise the powers of the Secretary of the DKU, to manage matters including, but not limited to, the convening of meetings and the carrying out of the duties of the Secretary of the DKU at the said Special Meeting of the DKU on 5 June 2026. Article 21 of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 provides as follows:
Regulations and appointment of committees
Subject to the conditions of this Constitution, the Council may make its own regulations and appoint committees to carry out its duties.
We humbly pray that this process proceeds smoothly and orderly under the grace and mercy of Allah SWT. Unto Allah SWT alone do We submit.
Thus decreed.
Issued on this 29th day of May 2026, corresponding to 12 Zulhijjah 1447H.
Read Next: The DKU Secretary Has Not Been Suspended. So Why Is the Press Reporting That He Has?
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.
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.
