Negeri Sembilan MB says Yamtuan can’t dismiss excos without his advice, insists current line-up still valid

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim answers questions during a press conference at the Negeri Sembilan First Class Graduate Excellence Awards presentation ceremony in Seremban on September 17, 2026. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Monday, 21 Sep 2026 12:35 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPURT, Sept 21 — Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim said today that the state's executive councillors remain in office, arguing that the Yang di-Pertuan Besar cannot remove them without his advice.

In a statement a day after the palace announced it had revoked all exco appointments, Ismail said the state's administrative system rests on constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.

“Based on Part Two of the UUTKNS 1959, the sovereign power of the Ruler in matters of state administration shall be exercised on the advice of the YAB Menteri Besar and the State Executive Council,” he said, citing Article 40(1) of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan (UUTKNS).

He argued that the Ruler's discretionary powers are limited to matters expressly listed in writing under Article 40(2), and that the power to dismiss or end an exco member's tenure unilaterally is not among them.

Ismail also said Article 38(5), which deals with the tenure of exco members, cannot be read on its own. It must be read with Articles 38(4) and 40(1), he said, meaning any termination or change to the exco line-up during an ongoing administration can only take effect on the MB’s advice or formal request.

He said any dismissal made without such advice would be a legal error, unconstitutional and without force of law.

Ismail said he had never been consulted or advised on the dismissal of any exco member under Article 38(5).

"There is no need to submit a new exco list," he said in effect, as the current councillors remain valid and will continue their duties as usual.

The statement did not directly mention the palace's announcement, but appears to respond to it.

In a statement on Sunday night, Istana Besar Seri Menanti said Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir had revoked the exco appointments with immediate effect for breaching their oath of office through their actions and statements on Sept 15.

The palace said exco members hold office at the Ruler's pleasure under Article XXXVIII(5) of the state constitution. It said each affected member had been informed in writing, and it directed Ismail to submit a list of candidates for a new exco under Article XXXVIII(2).

The Sept 15 meeting was where the state exco unanimously decided on an Instrument of Proclamation on Tuanku Muhriz's removal, according to Ismail, and instructed the state secretary to proceed with gazetting it.

The dispute over Tuanku Muhriz's position has drawn in several bodies.

On Sept 17, the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang said he remains the lawful Yang di-Pertuan Besar, that there is no vacancy, and that the state exco and government have no jurisdiction to decide on the proclamation's validity.

The Attorney General's Chambers later said the April 19 proclamation was invalid for failing to comply with Article 10 of the state constitution. It also said there was no evidence of any ground for disqualification under Article 10(1), and that the MB and exco cannot unilaterally remove the Ruler or declare the office vacant. The AGC noted the matter is before the High Court in Seremban, where an interlocutory injunction remains in force.

Today, Ismail ended his statement by saying the state government would continue to uphold the supremacy of the constitution to ensure administrative stability and preserve the people's mandate.