The Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU), the highest authority overseeing matters related to the four Undang in Negri Sembilan, has declared the September 5 document aimed at deposing Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir from his position as Yang di-Pertuan Besar to be invalid and an act of treason. This announcement followed a special session held on September 13, during which the DKU concluded that the document violated both the customary traditions (adat) and the state's constitutional laws established in 1959.
According to DKU secretary Raja Norazli Raja Nordin, the document was signed by six individuals, four of whom did not hold the official titles they claimed at the time. These individuals are Datuk Muhammed Abdullah (Undang of Johol), former Undang of Sungei Ujong Datuk Mubarak Dohak, former Undang of Jelebu Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, former Undang of Rembau Abdul Rahim Yasin, Tunku Besar Tampin Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus Al-Qadri, and former Dato’ Shahbandar Sungei Ujong Datuk Seri Utama Badarudin Abd Khalid. Raja Norazli emphasized that no proper investigation, which is required under Article 10(1) of the state constitution before calling for the ruler’s abdication, had taken place, and Tuanku Muhriz was not given prior notice or an opportunity to respond.
He further stated that issuing an abdication instrument without fulfilling these legal requirements, misusing official titles, and directing civil servants unlawfully are actions considered treasonous by both tradition and law. Consequently, government officials are not obligated to comply with any directives based on the disputed document, and the state government and civil servants should continue recognizing Tuanku Muhriz as the rightful ruler.
Raja Norazli also referenced a previous proclamation dated April 19, 2026, which was similarly ruled invalid. That proclamation, signed by four individuals—three of whom no longer held Undang positions—failed to meet legal standards, and the then Mentri Besar had refused to endorse it on April 20, citing deficiencies under Article 10 of state laws. The DKU noted that such refusal effectively nullified the proclamation, and a subsequent Mentri Besar cannot revive a function already exercised, preventing the matter from being perpetually reopened due to changes in state leadership.
Current incumbents include Muhammad Faris Johari as Undang of Sungei Ujong and Hassan Ab Hamid as Undang of Rembau, with the positions of Undang of Jelebu and Datuk Shahbandar Sungei Ujong remaining vacant.
Following the ruling, Raja Norazli has been directed to communicate the DKU’s decision to the Mentri Besar, the state secretary, and the state legal advisor to facilitate implementation. He also indicated plans to file a police report concerning the actions of the six signatories. The situation underscores ongoing complexities in the traditional and constitutional governance of Negri Sembilan’s monarchy.