MB: Negri exco will continue to function as normal

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 22, 2026

The Negeri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim rejected the Yang di-Pertuan Besar’s revocation of the executive council members’ appointments, asserting that such dismissals without his advice are unconstitutional and thus invalid. This dispute highlights a constitutional conflict over the authority to appoint or remove exco members, with the current council continuing its duties amid calls for adherence to state constitutional processes.

The Negeri Sembilan executive council will continue to operate as normal despite a recent order from the state’s Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, revoking the appointments of its members, said Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim.

Late Sunday, Tuanku Muhriz announced the immediate revocation of the exco members’ appointments, citing violations of their oath of office related to actions taken on September 15, when they purportedly agreed to remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar from his position. The palace stated that the council’s decision breached constitutional provisions and directed the Mentri Besar to present a new list of candidates for the exco for the Ruler’s consideration, as stipulated under Article XXXVIII(2) of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.

In response, Ismail maintained that any dismissal or termination of an exco member without his advice or request constitutes a legal and constitutional error, rendering such actions without legal effect. He emphasized that he was neither consulted nor had he advised on the dismissal of any incumbent exco member. Consequently, the existing exco lineup remains valid and will continue carrying out their duties.

Ismail elaborated that, according to state law, the sovereign authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar in matters of state administration is exercised on the advice of the Mentri Besar and the executive council. Referencing Article 40(1) of the state constitution, he noted that the Ruler’s executive functions require adherence to the Mentri Besar’s counsel. The Mentri Besar further emphasized that any discretionary powers granted to the Ruler in administrative affairs are limited to specific cases outlined under Article 40(2), and do not include unilateral dismissal of exco members.

He highlighted that the power to consent to the tenure of exco members, as described in Article 38(5), must be interpreted in conjunction with Articles 38(4) and 40(1). This framework, he explained, mandates that any changes in the exco’s composition during an administration must be formally advised or requested by the Mentri Besar before taking effect.

The Yang di-Pertuan Besar also tasked Ismail with ensuring that the administration of Negeri Sembilan proceeds without disruption and remains in compliance with constitutional provisions throughout this period of uncertainty. The ongoing situation underscores a constitutional dispute regarding the proper process for appointing and dismissing members of the state executive council.

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.