Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim and the state government reaffirmed their full support and pledged allegiance to Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan on September 6, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4].
The announcement came amid a dispute over royal succession after the Undang Yang Empat—the hereditary chiefs of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol and Rembau—issued a statement on September 5 demanding that the state government comply with a proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz from his position [1, 2, 3, 4].
The chiefs claimed that Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim signed the removal proclamation at Istana Laguna Biru, Port Dickson, on August 3, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. This proclamation was said to give effect to an earlier proclamation they signed and sealed on April 19, 2026, which declared Tuanku Muhriz’s removal and appointed Tunku Nadzaruddin as the new Yang di-Pertuan Besar. However, the state government does not recognize this change [4].
In a public statement, Ismail Lasim acknowledged the Undang Yang Empat’s position but focused on carrying out his duties for the state's welfare. He said, "I take note of the statement issued by the Undang Yang Empat yesterday. Whatever views they may have are their right. My focus now is to carry out my responsibilities as Menteri Besar in the interests of the people and the state." He also stressed his loyalty, saying, "Together with the state government, I express my full support and loyalty to His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir as Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan" [4].
The royal succession dispute has seen court interventions; on June 5, the High Court in Seremban barred individuals involved in Dewan Keadilan dan Undang meetings related to the controversy pending ongoing legal proceedings [4].
Ismail Lasim was sworn in as Menteri Besar on August 2, 2026, following Barisan Nasional’s state election victory [4]. The next key date is the Undang Yang Empat’s statement on September 5 demanding adherence to their proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz [1, 2, 3, 4].
Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim’s reaffirmation of support for Tuanku Muhriz on September 6 underscores the state government’s official stance amid contrasting claims by the Undang Yang Empat [1, 2, 3, 4].
