Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'afar was officially proclaimed the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan by the Undang Yang Empat in a ceremony held at a five-star hotel in Melaka on June 5, 2026. The proclamation was delivered by Jelebu Undang Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, who cited Article 11 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959 in electing Tunku Nadzaruddin with immediate effect, referencing an earlier declaration made on April 19, 2026 [1, 2, 3].

Acknowledging the proclamation, Tunku Nadzaruddin expressed gratitude to the Undang Yang Empat, the Tunku Besar Tampin, and Datuk Syahbandar Sungai Ujong for their support in his elevation to the throne [1].

The proclamation took place amid a constitutional and customary dispute over the succession of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. The dispute began on May 13, 2026, with the removal of Datuk Mubarak Dohak as Undang of Sungai Ujong due to 33 alleged violations of adat (customary law) [2]. By May 19, the four Undang announced the deposition of the sitting Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, and named Tunku Nadzaruddin as his successor [2].

On the day of the proclamation, the Seremban High Court issued injunctions to halt a special sitting of the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang Negeri Sembilan (DKU) and blocked the removal of DKU secretary Raja Norazli Raja Nordin [1, 2]. During the tense events, police prevented Tunku Nadzaruddin from leaving the Melaka hotel, and initially blocked the Undang Yang Empat from entering the Tunku Besar Tampin's residence for the DKU meeting; the Undang were allowed in only after Tunku Syed Razman ordered the gate opened [1, 2, 3].

Former Dewan Negara president and Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Tan Sri Rais Yatim supported the legality of the proclamation, stating the process followed the state's adat and constitutional provisions, with officials participating both in person and via Zoom. He affirmed the rule of law and adat were observed, though he acknowledged ongoing issues to be resolved [3].

However, the current Negeri Sembilan state government and Menteri Besar recognize Tuanku Muhriz as the legitimate Yang di-Pertuan Besar. They rejected the Undang’s move to depose him, calling it unconstitutional [3].

The succession dispute and legal challenges continue, with further hearings and potential resolutions expected in the coming weeks.