Latest Twist in Negri Sembilan Constitutional Crisis

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Negri Sembilan's state government suspended its state secretary and legal adviser amid a constitutional crisis sparked by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar's revocation of state executive council members' appointments, which the Mentri Besar deems unconstitutional. This conflict highlights deep power struggles between the monarchy and state administration, raising legal questions about authority over civil service appointments and threatening the state's political stability.

The constitutional crisis in Negri Sembilan intensified following the state government's suspension of state secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim and legal adviser Datuk Muzalmah Mustapha Kamal. The decision was announced by Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim after a special meeting of the state executive council (exco) on September 22, with the suspensions taking immediate effect.

Ismail stated that Datuk Masri Razali, the state financial officer, would temporarily assume the role of state secretary until the Chief Secretary to the Government appoints a replacement. Legal advisory duties would, in the meantime, be handled by lawyer Fahmi Adilah until the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) appoints a new state legal adviser. Notifications of the suspensions have been sent to the relevant authorities, including the Chief Secretary to the Government, the Public Service Department, and the AGC. No official reasons were provided for the suspensions.

This development comes amid a broader political dispute in the state. On September 20, Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir revoked the appointments of all 10 state executive council members, accusing them of breaching their oath of office by supporting the removal of the Ruler. Despite this, Mentri Besar Ismail rejected the revocations, asserting that such dismissals without his advice or request are unconstitutional and legally invalid. He confirmed that the exco members would continue in their roles and that the state government would operate normally.

Efforts to ease tensions include a planned meeting scheduled for September 23 at the Tuanku Ja’afar Gallery between the Mentri Besar, the exco members, and Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar. The meeting, described as an "ice-breaking" session, aims to foster better relations among the parties involved. Attendees are expected to include the Undang Yang Empat—the four traditional chiefs who, along with the Tunku Besar of Tampin and the Dato’ Shahbandar of Sungei Ujong, proclaimed Tunku Nadzaruddin as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar on June 5.

The Attorney General’s Chambers responded to the suspensions by stating that the exco does not have the authority to suspend the state secretary or legal adviser. According to the AGC, such appointments and suspensions fall under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission and the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, as outlined in Article 37 of the state Constitution. The AGC further emphasized that any appointment of a state legal adviser must comply with state laws, including being made by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission and requiring the appointee to be a member of the Judicial and Legal Service.

The ongoing dispute raises constitutional questions about the balance of power in Negri Sembilan’s state administration and the roles of the monarchy, state executive council, and civil service commissions. Both the state government and the palace have expressed intentions to uphold the constitution, yet the conflicting interpretations continue to fuel uncertainty about the state’s governance and future stability.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.