AGC Declares Negeri Sembilan Exco Decision on Yang di-Pertuan Besar Void and Unconstitutional

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has declared that the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar and State Executive Council (Exco) possess no unilateral power to declare vacant or terminate the office of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

In a press statement today, the AGC addressed the document titled “Media Statement of the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council – Decision No. 6 of 2026” dated Sept 15, clarifying that the validity and legal effect of any royal proclamation must strictly adhere to constitutional and legal processes under the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 (UUTKNS 1959).

The AGC maintained its position that an earlier proclamation dated April 19, 2026, seeking to remove DYMM Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, was legally invalid due to non-compliance with mandatory requirements under Article 10 of the UUTKNS 1959.

“While the Dato’-Dato’ Undang clearly possess the authority to take action to dethrone the DYMM Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan, Article 10 of the UUTKNS also provides specific procedures and grounds for consideration before such a decision can be made,” the AGC stated. “To date, there are no facts showing that these prescribed procedures were complied with.”

The AGC further pointed out that the composition of the Undang Yang Empat (Four Ruling Chieftains) was incomplete at the material time, as several Undang who signed the April 19 proclamation no longer held office lawfully after being removed under the customary laws (adat) of their respective luak.

Reaffirming the constitutional framework, the AGC noted that under Article 16 of the UUTKNS 1959, all Malay customary matters—including the selection, appointment, resignation, and dismissal of an Undang—fall under the sole jurisdiction of the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU). Under Article 16(3), the council’s determinations on customary matters are final and cannot be challenged in any court.

Consequently, the AGC emphasized that the announcement by the Negeri Sembilan State Exco holds no legal standing or effect, as the executive body lacks jurisdiction, authority, or power under the state constitution to make such determinations.

The AGC warned that any subsequent gazettement or enforcement action based on the defective April 19 proclamation constitutes an unconstitutional and invalid act.

Noting that the matter is currently before the High Court in Seremban and subject to an active interlocutory injunction, the AGC urged all parties to respect ongoing judicial processes and allow the matter to be resolved through proper legal channels.

–NMT