What Happened at the Dewan Undangan Negeri Opening on April 23?
Tuanku Muhriz opened the 15th Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly at Wisma Negeri, Seremban, as scheduled. Mubarak, the three Undangs and Tunku Besar Tampin did not attend.
Did the Undang attend the State Assembly opening?
On 23 April 2026, Tuanku Muhriz opened the first sitting of the fourth session of the 15th Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly at Wisma Negeri, Seremban, as scheduled.
Mubarak Dohak (the removed Undang of Sungei Ujong), and the other three Undangs, Maarof Mat Rashad (Jelebu), Muhammed Abdullah (Johol), and Abdul Rahim Yasin (Rembau) — were absent. Tunku Besar Tampin Tunku Syed Razman also did not attend, having issued a joint statement with the Undang the previous night advising the ceremony be postponed.
This was the first such absence since Tuanku Muhriz ascended the throne in 2008 — breaking an unbroken 17-year tradition. Under the state’s Adat Perpatih system, the Four Undangs and the Tunku Besar Tampin are key figures who are customarily present at official state ceremonies.
What did Tuanku Muhriz say in his royal address?
Tuanku Muhriz addressed both the crisis and the absence directly:
“The absence of state dignitaries who would normally be present at the official opening did not affect the validity or smooth running of the sitting.”
He called for calm, restraint, and strict adherence to the law: “Do not, under any circumstances, make decisions or take actions influenced solely by emotion or personal inclination.” The State Assembly Speaker confirmed the proceedings met all required conditions and were conducted in accordance with procedure.
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Sources:
Four Undangs skip Negeri Sembilan assembly opening as royal row lingers (Malay Mail, 23 April 2026)
Keep calm, follow the law, says Tuanku Muhriz (Yahoo News Malaysia, 23 April 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.
