Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has claimed that he was pressured into signing a document seeking the removal of Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
A copy of the signed Instrument of Proclamation has gone viral online, prompting Ismail to issue a statement saying he had signed it against his will and under duress.
“I wish to explain that the Instrument of Proclamation was signed by me against my will and under duress,” he said.
Ismail said he lodged a police report at about 6pm on Sept 8 to enable the authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the document.
He also said the state government believed the Instrument did not comply with the process and procedures stipulated under Article 10 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution.
“Therefore, it is invalid, unconstitutional and cannot be enforced,” he said.
Ismail, who was sworn in as Menteri Besar on Aug 2, said the state Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday night had discussed establishing a Reconciliation Committee to resolve the issue through consensus.
He added that the state government had also referred to Article 71 of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees the constitutional rights and position of the Malay Rulers.
“The state government must take appropriate measures to ensure that the dignity and position of Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan continue to be upheld,” he said.
Ismail also reaffirmed his support and loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz, describing him as the sole legitimate and sovereign Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.
Separately, Undang Luak Sungei Ujong Dato’ Klana Petra Muhammad Faris Johari said the proclamation seeking Tuanku Muhriz’s removal was invalid and could not be enforced.
He said a sitting of the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang at Istana Besar Seri Menanti in Kuala Pilah on July 31 had determined that an April 19, 2026 declaration had no legal effect because it failed to meet the requirements of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution.
Muhammad Faris also claimed that three of the four Undang who had attempted to remove Tuanku Muhriz had no authority to act as Ruling Chiefs because they had allegedly lost their hereditary status under the customs of their respective luak.
