The Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, has publicly rebuked Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim amid the state’s ongoing constitutional crisis.
In several videos circulating on social media, Tuanku Muhriz is seen telling a group of people that Ismail had written to the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, stating that he was no longer the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.
Tuanku Muhriz then questioned why Ismail wanted to meet him, insisting that the menteri besar first withdraw his earlier remarks.
‘Why does he want to see me? Until he retracts what he said earlier, go away,’ Tuanku Muhriz said, visibly upset, before turning towards Ismail.
‘Don’t see me, I don’t want to see you. You understand? I am the Yang Dipertuan Besar but you said I am not.’
Ismail responded by performing the ‘angkat sembah’, a traditional gesture of respect when greeting royalty.
Following the exchange, worshippers at the mosque were heard shouting ‘Daulat Tuanku’.
Negeri Sembilan royal crisis continues
The state has been embroiled in a royal crisis since April, when four individuals claiming to be undangs, or traditional chieftains, announced the purported removal of Tuanku Muhriz as ruler.
In June, the same disputed group reportedly proclaimed Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the ‘new’ Yang Dipertuan Besar during an event at a five-star hotel in Melaka.
Menteri besar backed disputed statement
Last month, Ismail endorsed a statement issued by his executive council that purported to affirm Tuanku Muhriz’s removal as Yang Dipertuan Besar.
Tuanku Muhriz subsequently revoked the appointments of all members of the state executive council.
The latest public confrontation comes amid the continuing dispute over the legitimacy of the claims concerning the Negeri Sembilan throne.
