Expedite court proceedings to settle Negeri Sembilan royal dispute, says ex-minister Syed Hamid

Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar, a former law minister, says the court is the best platform to resolve legal questions surrounding the Negeri Sembilan dispute. — Picture from Facebook/Hamid Albar

First Published: Wednesday, 23 Sep 2026 3:53 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 — Court proceedings related to the Negeri Sembilan royal institution dispute should be expedited to provide a definitive resolution to the legal questions involved, former law minister Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said.

He said the dispute, which involves the adat (customary practices), state law and the Federal Constitution, should be resolved through the legal process rather than public debate or sentiment.

“When one party says it has a right and another party says the same, there is clearly a dispute that needs to be determined.

“The courts should expedite whatever hearings are necessary to resolve these legal questions,” he told Bernama when contacted today.

Syed Hamid, who has also served as home and foreign minister, said those with jurisdiction over the matter, including the Attorney-General and the government, were entitled to carry out their respective responsibilities, and their should not be regarded as interference unless a court determines otherwise.

Syed Hamid also urged all parties to refrain from making conflicting public statements, saying these could heighten public anxiety and make it more difficult to reach a reasonable and rational resolution.

“Malaysians are confused, and outsiders are also confused. This is no longer an internal matter involving a particular group or state because it has become a public dispute that people want to see resolved.

“This affects confidence. It is not good for Malaysian politics or public perception,” he said.

Syed Hamid said any action involving a person’s position or removal from office must be carried out in accordance with the procedures and provisions set out in the Constitution and relevant laws. — Bernama