UMNO Manipulating the NS Monarchy in an Attempted Coup d’État By Murray Hunter

Murray Hunter : It is clear that the Negeri Sembilan state executive has no constitutional role in the selection or removal of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. Yet the UMNO-dominated state executive council has resorted to blunder tactics in a transparent attempt to force its preferred outcome, declaring Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir removed and recognising Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the new ruler with immediate effect.

On 16 September 2026, the state Exco issued a statement claiming that an April 19 proclamation under Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 was valid, had been signed and sealed by the “legitimate” Undangs, and was completed when Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim (UMNO) signed it on 3 August. The statement further asserted that a parallel proclamation under Article 11 selecting Tuanku Nadzaruddin was likewise effective. Several UMNO and MCA Exco members circulated the announcement on social media.

Lawyers acting for Tuanku Muhriz and the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) have condemned the move in the strongest terms. They describe the Exco’s conduct as an unconstitutional attempt to undermine the ruler’s executive authority, tantamount to a coup d’état and an act of treason. They note that the announcement breaches interim High Court injunctive orders issued in June and have signalled intention to commence contempt proceedings.

Read it all here......