Anwar urges respect for royal decree as Negeri Sembilan political crisis deepens

LocalPolitics
4 May 2026 • 3:30 PM MYT
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Anwar urges respect for royal decree as Negeri Sembilan political crisis deepens

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all parties to respect the royal decree affirming the stability of Negeri Sembilan’s government, as tensions escalate following Umno’s decision to distance itself from the ruling coalition in the state.

Speaking amid mounting political uncertainty, Anwar stressed that the position of the state administration remains unchanged under the decree of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, despite claims that support for the Menteri Besar has eroded.

“What Umno leaders said was unclear so I don’t want to comment on it,” he said.

“I only want to say if this involves the Royal Institution, I listen directly to what the Negeri Sembilan’s Yang Dipertuan decrees…which is that the situation remains stable, the Menteri Besar remains and see what happens next,” Anwar added.

He further cautioned that any challenge to the leadership must follow proper constitutional processes.

“Is this true that (the sitting MB) have lost all confidence, that will be done according to process but so far if you claim to be a party that upholds the Royal Institution, then uphold it.”

The remarks come as Jalaluddin Alias announced that the state Umno chapter would prefer to remain in opposition rather than cooperate with Pakatan Harapan in the state administration, a stance that risks prolonging the impasse.

The development follows an earlier decision by Umno’s political bureau to continue supporting the unity government in Negeri Sembilan, highlighting a growing divergence between national and state-level positions within the party.

At the centre of the dispute is Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, whose leadership has been challenged by 14 Umno assemblymen who withdrew their support.

State Umno lawmakers have cited dissatisfaction with his handling of a sensitive royal matter involving an attempt by one of the Undangs to depose the ruler, an issue that has intensified the political crisis.

Despite the turmoil, Anwar reiterated that the current administration remains legitimate under the ruler’s decree, urging all parties to prioritise institutional respect and constitutional order as the situation unfolds. - May 4, 2026