KUALA LUMPUR — Negeri Sembilan’s escalating constitutional and royal crisis took another dramatic turn today as the state assembly was dissolved, police reportedly blocked key figures linked to the royal succession dispute, and the High Court intervened to halt a planned Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) meeting.
The developments follow Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun’s confirmation late last night that Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir had consented to dissolve the 36-seat Negeri Sembilan Legislative Assembly, paving the way for snap state elections.
The dissolution comes after 14 Barisan Nasional assemblymen withdrew support for Aminuddin, citing dissatisfaction with his handling of the royal dispute.
At the same time, tensions flared at the Tunku Besar Tampin’s official residence, where a special DKU sitting was scheduled. Police officers reportedly locked the gates, preventing adat leaders and dignitaries from entering.
The standoff ended only after Tunku Besar Tampin, Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus Al-Qadri, personally instructed that the gates be opened, allowing the meeting to proceed.
The meeting occurred amid a bitter dispute over the state throne. On April 19, the Undangs proclaimed Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as Yang di-Pertuan Besar, a move challenging Tuanku Muhriz’s authority. The state government rejected the proclamation, calling it unconstitutional.
Despite the controversy, Tunku Nadzaruddin was reportedly proclaimed as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar following the DKU special meeting today, marking the start of a new reign under Negeri Sembilan’s Adat Perpatih system. However, the legitimacy of this proclamation remains disputed.
Constitutional and legal experts have argued that the attempt by the four Undangs to remove Tuanku Muhriz was invalid, and he remains the lawful ruler of Negeri Sembilan.
Adding to the uncertainty, the High Court today issued temporary injunctions halting a DKU meeting and blocking attempts to remove the body’s secretary, Raja Norazli Raja Nordin, Malay Mail Online reported.
Judge Roz Mawar Rozain granted the orders after Raja Norazli and the DKU applied to preserve the status quo of the body’s administration.
The injunctions prevent plaintiffs from convening any DKU meetings — including the special sitting — interfering with Raja Norazli’s role, establishing committees to assume his powers, or making administrative decisions affecting DKU operations. They remain in force until the court decides on jurisdiction and other preliminary matters or issues further directions.
The ruling also bars the plaintiffs from removing Raja Norazli, conducting DKU affairs, or issuing statements on DKU matters. Raja Norazli had previously rejected his suspension by several ruling chiefs, insisting it was “devoid of legal effect” as only the Yang di-Pertuan Besar can remove him.
Meanwhile, reports emerged that Tunku Nadzaruddin was allegedly prevented from attending an official ceremony at the Tunku Besar Tampin’s residence after being blocked from leaving a hotel in Melaka.
Former Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim said: “Tunku was at the hotel and wanted to come here (the Tunku Besar Tampin’s official residence), but he was prevented. He was also reportedly to be taken to Kuala Lumpur. Every individual has personal rights under the law. He should not be forced or subjected to any restriction, as it would constitute, in legal terms, ‘false imprisonment’.”
Speaking outside the residence, Rais added: “He was not allowed to attend the ceremony here to carry out his duties as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar. The police also did not state why he was not allowed to come. I want to determine for the sake of the law and the information for people in this state particularly under which provision of the law they are confining him in the hotel. Firstly, not allowing him to leave the premises to come here for a social responsibility.”
Separately, Jelebu undang (chieftain) Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad was reportedly angered after being prevented from meeting Tunku Nadzaruddin at the hotel, later seen entering the hotel lobby accompanied by Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad. As of publication, police had not issued a statement regarding these allegations.
With the assembly dissolved, Negeri Sembilan is now heading for snap elections. Pakatan Harapan parties PKR, DAP, and Amanah have announced plans to contest all 36 state seats, with DAP postponing its national conference to focus on campaigning in Negeri Sembilan and Johor.
The crisis has put Negeri Sembilan’s unique constitutional monarchy into the national spotlight. Under Adat Perpatih, 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.
While the Undangs have constitutional authority to elect the ruler and, in certain circumstances, seek his withdrawal, legal experts maintain that the recent attempts to remove Tuanku Muhriz do not comply with constitutional requirements. The question of legitimacy remains central to this complex political and royal dispute. – June 5, 2026