Negeri Sembilan Ruler Revokes State Executive Council Appointments

The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, revoked the appointments of all 10 state executive council (exco) members on September 20, 2026. The ruler cited a violation of the oath of office signed on August 7, specifically regarding a September 15 meeting where exco members reportedly supported a proclamation concerning the ruler's position. This followed claims by the council that Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar had replaced him, despite rulings from the state's Council of Justice and Ruling Chiefs and the Attorney-General’s Chambers that Tuanku Muhriz remains the lawful ruler.

Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim rejected the decree on September 21, declaring the dismissals unconstitutional and legally void. Ismail argued that under Article 40(1) of the state constitution, the ruler must act on the advice of the Menteri Besar for administrative functions. He asserted that because he was not consulted nor did he advise the removals, the existing exco lineup remains valid and will continue to function normally.

The palace justified the dismissals under Article 38(5), which states exco members hold office at the ruler's pleasure, and instructed Ismail to propose a new council lineup. Ismail has refused this request, maintaining that the current council remains in power.