Officials representing Negri Sembilan’s traditional rulers have accused federal agencies of interfering in the state’s administration, raising concerns that such actions could undermine governance and breach constitutional principles. The group, which includes an Undang and three ruling chiefs alongside the Tunku Besar Tampin, said the involvement of federal bodies risks rendering the state government dysfunctional.
In a joint statement delivered by former Undang of Sungei Ujong, Datuk Mubarak Dohak, the leaders criticized what they described as unconstitutional meddling that violates the principle of federalism, warning that continued interference would contravene the Prime Minister’s constitutional oath under the Federal Constitution’s Sixth Schedule. They also urged the Prime Minister and the Attorney General’s Chambers to refrain from engaging in Negri Sembilan’s internal governance, emphasizing that these bodies lack jurisdiction in state matters.
The group reiterated their objection to the decision by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, to dismiss the current 10-member state executive council (exco), describing the move as improper, lacking constitutional validity, and unprecedented in the state’s modern history. They characterized the dismissal as an act undertaken in bad faith, accusing it of sabotaging the authority of the ruling chiefs and inciting disloyalty within the state government.
Joining Datuk Mubarak Dohak in the statement were Undang of Johol Datuk Muhammad Abdullah, former Undang of Jelebu Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, former Undang of Rembau Abdul Rahim Yasin, and Tunku Besar Tampin Tunku Syed Razman Syed Idrus Al-Qadri.
Their remarks came a day after the official gazetting dated September 24, which formalized Tuanku Muhriz’s revocation of consent and annulment of the exco appointments under Article XXXVIII(5) of the Negri Sembilan Constitution, effective September 20. This action was reportedly taken following alleged breaches of pledges of allegiance by the dismissed exco members.
The traditional leaders asserted that any decisions concerning exco appointments must be based on the advice of the Mentri Besar and/or the state exco, reinforcing that these roles cannot be unilaterally changed. They also emphasized their customary authority over the election and removal of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, citing relevant state constitutional provisions including Articles 7, 10, and 11.
According to the group, Tuanku Muhriz was deposed on April 19, 2026, in accordance with Articles 10(1) and (2) of the state Constitution, with the official proclamation endorsed by the Mentri Besar on August 3. They declared Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar the legitimate Ruler, rejecting claims that the Mentri Besar and exco played any role in the removal of Tuanku Muhriz. The ruling chiefs maintained that the executive branch was only fulfilling its constitutional duty in following their decision.
The statement also noted that the state government has officially notified the Conference of Rulers of Tunku Nadzaruddin’s appointment as the new Yang di-Pertuan Besar and called for the recognition of his authority, including attendance at Council of Rulers meetings and the granting of associated privileges and entitlements.