KUALA LUMPUR – The Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly was adjourned sine die today, as a dispute within the state’s royal institution overshadowed its ceremonial opening.
The four-day sitting was halted after the opening ceremony at Wisma Negeri, with Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun confirming the adjournment, citing “current circumstances” as the reason.
Speaker Datuk MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman said new dates would be proposed for the Yang di-Pertuan Besar’s consent before notifying assembly members, local media reported.
“Today’s opening ceremony fulfils the necessary requirements, which allow for the adjournment of the sitting…I hope that any issues in Negeri Sembilan can be resolved before we reconvene,” he said.
The ceremony was officiated by Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, but the Undang Yang Empat and Tunku Besar Tampin were absent, breaking with long-standing tradition. Their absence follows a dispute in which several Undangs sought to remove Tuanku Muhriz, while the Undang of Sungai Ujong was reportedly dismissed.
In a joint statement issued late yesterday, the absent Undangs and Tunku Besar Tampin recommended postponing the ceremony until all customary and legal processes regarding the state’s royal leadership were completed.
Tuanku Muhriz, however, insisted that the assembly’s legitimacy remained intact. “The administration of the state must continue to function as usual to safeguard governance and the interests of the people,” he said.
He expressed gratitude for the government’s performance, adding: “I pray to Allah that my state and people continue to be blessed and live in harmony under the leadership of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun together with the state executive council. I am deeply thankful that the strong cooperation within my government continues to show excellent performance in 2025.”
The ruler also cautioned against decisions driven by emotion and urged responsible online conduct: “Do not be too quick to believe and spread news without proper investigation and verification. Rash and irresponsible behaviour in sharing information can have harmful effects on society and the state.”
The crisis erupted on April 19, when four Undangs – the traditional chiefs of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol, and Rembau – declared Tuanku Muhriz deposed for alleged “misconduct”.
The state government rejected the declaration, highlighting that one of the signatories, Mubarak Dohak of Sungai Ujong, had been dismissed in 2025 after a special sitting of the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang found him guilty of multiple breaches of custom.
This disagreement has created a constitutional deadlock, as the Undangs traditionally hold the power to appoint and remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar under Negeri Sembilan’s Minangkabau-based system. The validity of their actions is now under legal and customary review.
Despite the boycott, Tuanku Muhriz conducted the opening ceremony, emphasising continuity in governance and cautioning against the spread of unverified information. – April 23, 2026