KUALA LUMPUR — Lawyers representing Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir have launched a scathing attack against the Negeri Sembilan state government, accusing it of staging an unconstitutional “coup d’état” following its move to declare his removal as Yang Dipertuan Besar and endorse Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the state’s new ruler.
In a legal notice issued by law firm Halim & Ismail, the legal team revealed their client was “shocked” by the state executive council’s proclamation, asserting that the body possesses zero jurisdiction, authority, or power to execute such a declaration.
They branded the council’s announcement as unconstitutional, null, void, and of no legal effect.
“Our client takes the view that your conduct in issuing the announcement is intended to undermine Tuanku Muhriz’s executive authority… and is further intended to overthrow and dethrone the ruler,” the lawyers stated.
‘Treasonous act’ and pending contempt
Escalating their warning, the legal team characterized the state government’s maneuvers as “tantamount to a coup d’état and an act of treason” punishable under the Penal Code and other relevant federal laws.
They further asserted that the executive council’s declaration directly violated interim injunctive orders issued by the High Court on June 5 — orders that formed the basis for the court granting leave on July 8 to initiate contempt proceedings.
“Our clients intend to commence contempt proceedings against you for the abovementioned breaches of the injunctive orders,” the letter warned.
Contested proclamation and MB’s ambiguous stance
The legal retaliation comes just twenty-four hours after the Negeri Sembilan executive council publicly declared the April 19 proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz as valid, asserting that Tuanku Nadzaruddin assumed the throne with immediate effect.
The council maintained that the removal process under Article 10 of the Negeri Sembilan constitution was executed lawfully by the legitimate Undangs, adding that Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim had signed the document on Aug 3 to fulfill Article 10(2).
However, Tuanku Muhriz’s lawyers raised immediate doubts over whether Ismail genuinely endorsed the council’s latest declaration, pointing out that the statement was issued anonymously under the blanket title of the “line-up of Negeri Sembilan executive council members” rather than bearing the Menteri Besar’s direct signature. – September 17, 2026