Tensions worsen in Negri Sembilan

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 13, 2026

Datuk Ismail Lasim, the Mentri Besar of Negri Sembilan, has become embroiled in a palace crisis following his signing of a contentious proclamation to remove Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar, deepening divisions within the state's royal institutions. The dispute challenges the traditional Adat Perpatih co-rulership system and raises concerns about political stability and governance as efforts for resolution remain stalled.

Datuk Ismail Lasim, the Mentri Besar (MB) of Negri Sembilan, has found himself at the center of a deepening palace crisis barely a month after assuming office. The dispute revolves around the removal of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, a move that has fractured the state’s traditional system of co-rulership under the Adat Perpatih custom.

Ismail recently claimed that he was pressured into signing a proclamation on August 3 to depose Tuanku Muhriz—a proclamation that has escalated tensions between opposing factions within the state’s royal institutions. This assertion came under intense scrutiny when it was revealed that the MB had signed the document just one day after being sworn in and pledging loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz.

The Adat Perpatih system vests significant authority in both the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Undang Yang Empat, the territorial chieftains who hold the power to appoint or remove the ruler. The crisis stems from the controversial dismissal of the Undang of Sungai Ujong earlier this year, which led to a division among the Undang. One faction opposes Tuanku Muhriz and has endorsed Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Jaffar, 66, as a rival co-ruler, while the other supports Tuanku Muhriz’s legitimacy.

Compounding the crisis, the rival Undang group made public the proclamation signed by Ismail after a month passed without resolution, asserting the MB had agreed to the document voluntarily. This disclosure reportedly dealt a severe blow to Tuanku Muhriz, who is believed to have left for Europe amid the turmoil. Meanwhile, Ismail has expressed a desire to seek the Undang’s endorsement to legitimize his position as MB.

In recent developments, Ismail met with Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and other party leaders during the Umno general assembly to provide his account of the events. The MB reportedly tore up his copy of the proclamation during a state assembly meeting, though legal experts note that the validity of the proclamation remains questionable, as the state constitution does not clearly stipulate the procedure for removal of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

The ongoing conflict has raised concerns among lawmakers and residents alike about the impact on governance and the forthcoming state budget session. Barisan Nasional whip and Johol assemblyman Datuk Saiful Yazan Sulaiman stressed that the electorate desires a swift resolution to avoid prolonged instability.

Despite his initial missteps, Ismail retains official recognition as the legitimate Mentri Besar by both the Undang faction and Tuanku Muhriz, though trust between the parties appears strained. The palace dispute remains unresolved, with the Undang faction emphasizing their role in safeguarding Negri Sembilan’s traditional customs and their rights as co-rulers.

As the political impasse continues, uncertainty surrounds the state’s leadership and the future of its unique Adat Perpatih governance system.

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.