Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has affirmed the decision by the Negeri Sembilan state executive council (exco) to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, confirming that the matter was unanimously agreed upon in a meeting held on September 15. The exco has instructed the state secretary, Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim, to officially gazette the decision in accordance with existing protocols.

Speaking briefly to reporters at an event in Seremban, Ismail declined to answer further questions, emphasizing his intention to keep the announcement concise. This confirmation marks a notable change from his previous statements earlier in the week.

On September 9, Ismail had acknowledged signing a proclamation related to the removal but claimed he did so under duress. At that time, he maintained that the state government did not recognize the legitimacy of the proclamation, citing its failure to comply with Article 10 of the state constitution. Ismail also filed a police report on September 8 and publicly reaffirmed his allegiance to Tuanku Muhriz, describing him as the “sole legitimate and sovereign” ruler.

Despite Ismail’s initial position, the exco’s official statement released on Wednesday announced that Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar has been appointed as the new Yang di-Pertuan Besar, replacing Tuanku Muhriz.

The sequence of events highlights a complex power shift within Negeri Sembilan’s royal hierarchy, involving both political and constitutional considerations. However, the specifics behind the exco’s decision and the broader implications for the state’s governance and monarchy remain undisclosed, as the mentri besar has refrained from providing detailed commentary.