Post by : Rohit Dhiman

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied reports that he was granted an audience with Yang Dipertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir at Istana Negeri Sembilan. Zahid said neither he nor Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim had been summoned to meet the state ruler. He made the clarification after reports emerged that several vehicles, including one believed to have been carrying Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, arrived at Istana Negeri Sembilan in Changkat Persekutuan. Speaking to reporters after officiating the University Research and Innovation Investment Summit 2026 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, Zahid said he was not present at the palace. He also said that he and Ismail only became aware of the reported audience through media reports.

Zahid Declines To Comment Further On Political Dispute

Zahid avoided making detailed comments on the ongoing political dispute involving the position of Tuanku Muhriz as the ruler of Negeri Sembilan. Instead, he referred questions about the matter to Ismail, saying that the issue should be handled and resolved amicably within the state. The deputy prime minister also highlighted the legal and constitutional complexity surrounding the dispute. He stressed that the institutions of the state and the royal framework in Negeri Sembilan must be respected. The comments come at a sensitive time for the state's political administration, following a major disagreement between the palace and members of the state executive council.

Ten Exco Appointments Revoked

The dispute intensified after the Negeri Sembilan palace announced that Tuanku Muhriz had decided to revoke the appointments of 10 state executive councillors. According to the palace, the decision followed a joint statement by the executive councillors that supported the removal of Tuanku Muhriz as Yang Dipertuan Besar. The palace said the councillors had violated their oath of office and their pledge of allegiance to the ruler. The oath and pledge had been taken by the executive councillors on Aug 7. The palace also cited provisions under the Negeri Sembilan state constitution, stating that state executive councillors, apart from the menteri besar, serve at the pleasure of the ruler. The development has since triggered questions over the constitutional powers of the ruler, the state government and the executive council.

Menteri Besar Challenges Palace Decision

Ismail Lasim has disputed the decision to revoke the appointments of the 10 executive councillors. He argued that the state constitution does not permit the ruler to terminate the tenure of an executive councillor unless such action is advised or requested by the menteri besar. The disagreement has therefore moved beyond a political dispute and into questions surrounding constitutional interpretation and the respective powers of state institutions. Ismail had also previously said that he was coerced into signing a proclamation relating to the alleged removal of Tuanku Muhriz. However, he later endorsed the joint statement issued by the executive councillors.

Joint Statement Declared Invalid

The controversy escalated after the state executive councillors issued a joint statement that purportedly affirmed the removal of Tuanku Muhriz from his position as Yang Dipertuan Besar. The Negeri Sembilan Dewan Keadilan dan Undang subsequently rejected the statement, describing it as unconstitutional and invalid. The body reaffirmed that Tuanku Muhriz remained the ruler of the state. The Attorney-General's Chambers also stated that the joint statement had no legal effect. According to the legal position cited in the report, the menteri besar and members of the state executive council do not have the authority to unilaterally remove the state ruler.

Anwar Ibrahim's Reported Palace Visit

The latest development followed a reported visit by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Istana Negeri Sembilan. Several vehicles were seen arriving at the palace, with one reportedly believed to be carrying the prime minister. Reports indicated that Anwar was granted an audience with Tuanku Muhriz. However, the details of the discussion have not been publicly disclosed. The reported meeting took place against the backdrop of the growing disagreement over the ruler's position and the constitutional authority of the state institutions. Zahid's latest statement is significant because reports had suggested that he and Ismail were also expected to meet Tuanku Muhriz. By denying that either of them had been summoned, Zahid has clarified that he was not involved in the reported audience at the palace.

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What Happens Next In Negeri Sembilan?

The dispute has raised broader questions about the relationship between the state government, the royal institution and constitutional authorities in Negeri Sembilan. At the centre of the controversy are disagreements over the status of the state ruler, the authority to appoint or remove executive councillors and the interpretation of provisions under the state constitution. Zahid has called for the matter to be managed within the state and for the relevant institutions and royal framework to be respected. For now, Tuanku Muhriz continues to be recognised as the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, while the dispute over the actions of the executive councillors and the constitutional powers involved remains a matter of legal and political contention.

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