Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Putrajaya’s recognition of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, as the state’s royal succession issue escalates into legal proceedings, police involvement and the call for a snap state election.
Speaking after Friday prayers at Masjid Meranti, Anwar also raised concerns over reports of an alternative proclamation of a ruler allegedly held at a hotel in Melaka, stressing that matters involving the monarchy must be handled with due respect to preserve institutional dignity and public confidence.
He said the Federal Government continues to recognise Tuanku Muhriz based on the constitutional line of succession and urged all parties to channel any differing views through proper legal and constitutional avenues.
Anwar cautioned that disputes involving royal succession carry serious implications for national stability, adding that while legal recourse is available, any challenge must be backed by strong constitutional grounds.
He also noted that although the Federal Government is not directly involved in the dispute, it has a responsibility to provide its perspective given the monarchy’s importance to Malaysia’s political and social stability.
The Prime Minister further stressed that the issue should not be allowed to create public confusion or disrupt state administration, adding that he had conveyed his views to the relevant parties.
Commenting on reports that a rival proclamation was held at a hotel following a blocked meeting of the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU), Anwar said such actions risk undermining the image and sanctity of the royal institution.
The Negeri Sembilan Legislative Assembly was dissolved earlier with Tuanku Muhriz’s consent, paving the way for a state election, a move Anwar said he supported as the best way to resolve ongoing uncertainty.
However, the dispute intensified after the High Court issued an interim injunction related to the DKU meeting, while claims emerged of a separate proclamation naming a new Yang di-Pertuan Besar during a gathering in Melaka.
