Negeri Sembilan chiefs publish alleged constitutional breaches behind ruler's ouster

Four contested territorial chiefs of Negeri Sembilan, together with the tunku besar of Tampin, issued a detailed 12-page document outlining alleged violations by Tuanku Muhriz that they say warranted his proclamation as removed on April 19. They contend the ruler interfered in Rembau luak’s internal affairs by reopening the appointment of Abdul Rahim Yasin after a complaint, contravening Articles 3 and 4 of the 1898 Agreement that bars the Yang di-Pertuan Besar from such involvement.

The chiefs also assert that Muhriz failed to consult the Undang Yang Empat before attending a Conference of Rulers meeting and delayed the state mufti’s appointment to push his preferred candidate. Citing Article 10 of the state constitution, they argue that a closed-door enquiry held on March 5 satisfied the required “enquiry” and that the ruler was given a chance to respond. They further accuse Muhriz of trying to remove Undang Mubarak Thahak after the enquiry, alleging a DKU sitting on April 17 was used to press complaints without Mubarak’s presence. The statement calls on the federal government, the Negeri Sembilan state secretary and civil servants to formally acknowledge the removal as lawful.