KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today urged the Negeri Sembilan government and Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim to stand firm and resist political pressure amid a controversy involving the state’s royal institution.
He said any attempt to remove or depose a Ruler was a serious matter in a country governed by a constitutional monarchy, Bernama reported.
“This is about constitutional monarchy. We Malays, in particular, must set a good example.
“If we truly uphold the Constitution and understand the principles of this country, which is rooted in Malay traditions and has a Malay majority, we must preserve this harmony,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Surau Nur Perdana in Precinct 10 here.
Yesterday, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) said the April 19 proclamation concerning the position of Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir was invalid as it did not comply with the mandatory requirements of Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan (UUTKNS) 1959.
The AGC also said the Menteri Besar and the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council did not have unilateral authority to depose the Yang Dipertuan Besar or declare the position vacant.
Anwar said he had reviewed the AGC’s full statement on the matter.
He also said he respected the laws and customs governing Negeri Sembilan’s distinctive system involving the Yang Dipertuan Besar and the Undang, while stressing that all prescribed rules and procedures must be observed.
“What is important now is that the position of the Yang Dipertuan Besar remains secure. We pray that Tuanku Muhriz will continue to reign and carry out his duties well.
“If there are any proposals from the Undang or others, the proper procedures must be followed in full. Beyond that, we will not interfere,” he said. – September 18, 2026