The removal of Negri Sembilan’s 10 state executive council (exco) members has been officially confirmed through a state gazette dated September 24, with the revocations taking effect from September 20. The directive was issued under the authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

The palace stated that the exco members’ appointments were revoked following findings that they had breached their oath of office. This decision stemmed from events on September 15, when the exco agreed on the removal of Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

In response, the dismissed exco members claimed that a prior proclamation dated April 19, which removed Tuanku Muhriz under Article 10 of the state laws, had been duly signed and endorsed by the Undang (ruling chiefs) and was finalized with the signature of Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim on August 3. They asserted that Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar is now the legitimate Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim, however, refused to disclose who issued a verbal directive barring the exco members from entering the state secretariat building. He stressed that the current exco lineup is still valid and that no official court order or police instruction had been given. Ismail confirmed he retained access to the building and that exco vehicles had not been reclaimed. He called for the authorities to review the access restriction, questioning its legal basis and warning that such measures, if unsubstantiated, could infringe on the rights of the people by obstructing the legitimate government from performing its duties.

Ismail also emphasized that he had not been consulted regarding any termination of exco members under Article 38(5) of the state constitution and stated that the existing council would continue its functions. He noted that no date had been set for the next state assembly sitting but mentioned that it must occur within six months, with the previous sitting held in August.

Negri Sembilan state police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Alzafry Ahmad meanwhile explained that police presence and access controls at the Wisma Negeri (state secretariat), as well as at Galeri Diraja Tunku Ja’afar and Balai Undang Luak Sungei Ujong, were measures to maintain peace following the palace’s announcement. He emphasized that these actions were not intended to take sides or endorse any party and were based on security assessments to prevent potential tensions.