KUALA LUMPUR – Negeri Sembilan’s months-long royal impasse appears to be nearing a resolution after Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim confirmed he has officially retracted a September 17 letter sent to the Malay Rulers, effectively upholding the status quo of Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
Speaking to reporters after attending the state-level Deepavali Open House at the Seremban City Council (MBS) Hall today, Ismail confirmed the authenticity of a widely circulated November 10 letter addressed to the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad.
“You have all read it, it has gone viral. The media has already commented extensively on it. So, I am confirming the letter. The letter is self-explanatory,” he said, expressing confidence that the protracted crisis is close to being settled.
Also present at the event were the Undang of Luak Rembau, Datuk Sedia Raja Datuk Hassan Ab Hamid, and the Undang of Luak Jelebu, Datuk Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman Datuk Azrin Khairi.
According to the November 10 retraction letter, Ismail and 10 former state executive council (exco) members unanimously agreed to withdraw both the September 17 submission and their previous stance regarding the state’s royal institution.
The reversal follows the Malay Rulers’ October 14 statement and a June 5 Seremban High Court order preserving Tuanku Muhriz’s status quo as ruler.
In the letter, Ismail and the former exco members stressed that the move was made to uphold the supremacy of the 1959 Negeri Sembilan State Constitution, preserve the monarchical order, and ensure peaceful state governance.
“We reaffirm our commitment to always uphold our customs (adat) and to respect the position and authority of the royal institution within the state’s governance system.
“We also acknowledge the call by the Malay Rulers for any differences to be resolved through legitimate, authoritative, and credible channels, in a manner that is civil and consistent with our customs,” the letter stated.
Despite the U-turn, Ismail said the fate of the 10 sacked exco members remains undecided as he has yet to be granted a royal audience with Tuanku Muhriz.
“As of now, since I have not yet had an audience with Tuanku, there is no further news. There have been no discussions regarding the status of the exco members thus far. Once I have an audience [with His Highness], I will accept his views… for now, I cannot offer any comments,” he said.
The 10 former exco members are Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli, Datuk Zaifulbahri Idris, Mustapha Nagoor, Siow Kong Choon, Siti Nur Umaira Hasim, Datuk Mohd Asna Amin, Datuk Mohd Razi Mohd Ali, Suhaimizan Bizar, Datuk Mohd Fairuz Mohd Isa, and Datuk Razali Abu Samah.
Meanwhile, Ismail clarified that the proposed November 26 date for the upcoming State Legislative Assembly sitting — where the 2027 state budget is set to be tabled — still hinges on Tuanku Muhriz’s consent.
“If His Highness consents to that date, we will proceed; it is entirely subject to his consent. The budget must be finalised before the end of the year,” he added. – November 14, 2026