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SEREMBAN – The royal crisis in Negri Sembilan is expected to escalate after the Undang Yang Empat, including the disputed Undang, produced a document allegedly showing that Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim had signed a proclamation to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan.
The document was shared with reporters during a press conference at the Tuanku Jaafar Royal Gallery here on Tuesday night.
The press conference, which began at around 10.45pm, was attended by Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, Abdul Rahim Yassin and Undang Luak Johol Dato’ Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Sitiawan Datuk Muhammed Abdullah.
Maarof, who read out a joint statement, alleged that Ismail had signed and completed the instrument of proclamation under Article 10(2) of the Constitution of the Government of Negri Sembilan.
He said all four Undangs, including the disputed Undang, had signed the proclamation and affixed their respective official seals on April 19, 2026, declaring the removal of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan from the throne.
The document dated Aug 3, which was shown to reporters, stated, among other things: “In fulfilment of the requirements of Article 10(2) of the Constitution of the Government of Negri Sembilan 1959 and for the purpose of implementing the provision, I, as the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, hereby affix my signature as set out below.”
However, the document did not bear the official seal of the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan and contained only his signature.
Maarof, who led the press conference, expressed hope that the disclosure would help resolve the crisis peacefully and amicably.
Previously, Ismail, in a media statement on Sept 6, had expressed his allegiance and loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz.
He said his focus was now on carrying out his responsibilities as the Menteri Besar of Negri Sembilan in the interests of the people and the state.
“I, together with the state government, express our full support and loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz,” he said.
Amid the ongoing crisis, Ismail issued a second media statement on Tuesday, denying allegations that Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was involved in any effort to remove Tuanku Muhriz as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan.
Ismail said he had always supported the Deputy Prime Minister and the entire Umno leadership, which he said had consistently upheld the institution of the Malay Rulers and the principles of constitutional monarchy.
“Referring to the report published by The Straits Times dated Sept 8, 2026, I wish to deny the allegation of the involvement of Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in any effort to remove His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan,” he said.
