SEREMBAN: Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has pledged his loyalty to state ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, emphasising that he remains focused on carrying out his duties for the benefit of the people and the state.
In a brief statement on Sunday (Sept 6), Ismail said he took note of a statement issued by the "Undang Yang Empat" on Sept 5 but said he and his administration remained loyal and firmly supported Tuanku Muhriz as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
"It is the right of the Undang Yang Empat to have their own opinions.
"My focus is to carry out my duties and responsibilities as Negeri Sembilan Mentri Besar for the benefit of the people and the state," he said.
In a joint statement on Saturday (Sept 5), the Undang of Johol Datuk Mohammed Abdullah, Datuk Mubarak Dohak, Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, Abdul Rahim Yasin, the Tunku Besar Tampin Tunku Syed Syed Razman Tunku Syed Al-Qadri and Dato' Syahbandar Sungei Ujong Datuk Seri Utama Badarudin Abd Khalid claimed Ismail had signed a proclamation endorsing the deposition of Tuanku Muhriz as state ruler.
They claimed Ismail signed the document at Istana Laguna Biru in Port Dickson on Aug 3.
The individuals said the state government, particularly the state secretary, should comply with the proclamation of Tuanku Muhriz's removal since Ismail had signed the document.
Mubarak is also the former Undang of Sg Ujong, Maarof, the former Undang of Jelebu and Abdul Rahim, the former Undang of Rembau.
They also claimed that according to the Negri Sembilan Constitution, the rightful ruler of Negri Sembilan was Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'afar
The group also claimed that Ismail had sought an audience with Nadzaruddin and them on Aug 3 to receive their consent to his appointment as the Mentri Besar.
They claimed that it was during the ceremony that Ismail signed the instrument of proclamation on Tuanku Muhriz's removal as provided under Article 10(2) of the state laws.
On April 19, Mubarak, Maarof, Mohammed and Abdul Rahim Yasin had signed a declaration to depose Tuanku Muhriz.
They claimed the decision was made due to alleged misconduct by the state ruler. They did not elaborate.
They had also unanimously decided to name Tunku Nadzaruddin as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
However, the then state government had refused to recognise or accept the declaration.
Then Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said this was because Mubarak had been removed as Undang on May 13, 2025 and, as such, no longer held any authority.
Mubarak was apparently removed as Undang for offences related to traditions and customary laws, following a meeting of the Council of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Ruling chiefs (Dewan Keadilan dan Undang, or DKU).
The DKU is the highest authority governing the four Undang of Negri Sembilan.
On July 31, the DKU also formally recognised Maarof's dismissal as Undang for contravening adat (customary laws) and this was backdated to May 31, 2023.
Abdul Rahim's dismissal as Undang of Rembau was also accepted on the same day as his claims to the seat were found to be unconstitutional and contrary to the customary laws of Luak Rembau. This took effect May 31, 2023.
On June 27, Tuanku Muhriz formalised the installation of Muhammad Faris Johari, 28 as the 11th Undang of Sungei Ujong and Hassan Ab Hamid, 67, as the 22nd Undang of Rembau.
