KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — Negeri Sembilan’s deepening constitutional and royal crisis entered a dramatic new phase today as the state legislative assembly was dissolved, a disputed proclamation of a new Yang di-Pertuan Besar proceeded amid controversy, and the High Court issued injunctions aimed at preserving the status quo within the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) as reported by SCOOP portal.
The developments came after Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun confirmed late Thursday that Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir had consented to the dissolution of the 36-seat Negeri Sembilan Legislative Assembly, triggering snap state elections.
The dissolution followed the withdrawal of support by 14 Barisan Nasional assemblymen, who cited dissatisfaction with Aminuddin’s handling of the ongoing royal succession dispute.
Tensions escalated further at the official residence of the Tunku Besar Tampin, where a special DKU meeting had been scheduled. Police officers were reportedly seen locking the residence gates, preventing several adat leaders and dignitaries from entering the compound.
The impasse was resolved only after Tunku Besar Tampin, Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus Al-Qadri, personally ordered that the gates be opened, allowing the meeting to proceed.
The gathering took place against the backdrop of a contentious dispute over the Negeri Sembilan throne. On April 19, the four Undangs proclaimed Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as Yang di-Pertuan Besar, a move that directly challenged the authority of Tuanku Muhriz. The state government subsequently rejected the proclamation, describing it as unconstitutional.
Despite the legal and constitutional controversy, Tunku Nadzaruddin was reportedly proclaimed as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar following the special DKU sitting, signalling what supporters described as the beginning of a new reign under Negeri Sembilan’s Adat Perpatih system. However, the legitimacy of the proclamation remains fiercely disputed.
Constitutional experts have maintained that attempts by the Undangs to remove Tuanku Muhriz do not satisfy constitutional requirements, arguing that he remains the lawful ruler of Negeri Sembilan.
Adding another layer of complexity, the High Court today granted temporary injunctions preventing the convening of DKU meetings and blocking efforts to remove the body’s secretary, Raja Norazli Raja Nordin.
Judicial Commissioner Roz Mawar Rozain issued the orders after Raja Norazli and the DKU sought court intervention to preserve the administration of the institution pending further legal proceedings.
The injunctions prohibit the plaintiffs from convening DKU meetings, including any special sittings, interfering with Raja Norazli’s duties, establishing committees to assume his powers, or making administrative decisions affecting the DKU. The orders remain in force until the court determines jurisdictional and preliminary issues or issues further directions.
The court also barred attempts to remove Raja Norazli, conduct DKU affairs, or issue statements on behalf of the institution. Raja Norazli had earlier rejected his purported suspension by several ruling chiefs, insisting that only the Yang di-Pertuan Besar possesses the authority to remove him from office.
Meanwhile, reports surfaced that Tunku Nadzaruddin was prevented from attending an official ceremony at the Tunku Besar Tampin’s residence after allegedly being blocked from leaving a hotel in Melaka.
Former Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim criticised the alleged restrictions, saying Tunku Nadzaruddin had intended to travel to the ceremony but was prevented from doing so.
“He was at the hotel and wanted to come here, but he was prevented. Every individual has personal rights under the law. He should not be forced or subjected to restrictions, as that could constitute false imprisonment,” Rais told reporters outside the residence.
Rais further questioned the legal basis for the alleged confinement, stating that authorities had not explained why Tunku Nadzaruddin was prevented from attending the event.
Separately, Jelebu Undang Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad was reportedly angered after being denied access to meet Tunku Nadzaruddin at the hotel. He was later seen entering the hotel lobby accompanied by Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad. Police had not issued an official statement on the allegations at the time of publication.
With the assembly dissolved, Negeri Sembilan is now preparing for snap elections. Pakatan Harapan component parties PKR, DAP and Amanah have announced plans to contest all 36 state seats, while DAP has postponed its national conference to focus on campaigning efforts in Negeri Sembilan and Johor.
The unfolding crisis has thrust Negeri Sembilan’s unique constitutional monarchy into the national spotlight. Under the Adat Perpatih system, the four hereditary ruling chiefs — the Undang Yang Empat of Sungai Ujong, Rembau, Jelebu and Johol — play a central role in selecting the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
As legal proceedings continue and competing claims to legitimacy persist, the constitutional status of Negeri Sembilan’s throne remains at the heart of one of Malaysia’s most significant royal and political crises in recent years.
— MINUTESMY
