N. Sembilan ruler formally revokes appointments of 10 exco members

NEGERI SEMBILAN, 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Negeri Sembilan Ruler Revokes Appointments of 10 State Executive Councillors in Constitutional Showdown

The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, has formally revoked the appointments of 10 state executive councillors through a gazette notification issued today, escalating a constitutional dispute with Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim. The move, effective from September 20, marks the latest escalation in a power struggle over the state’s leadership.

The revocation, published in the state gazette, cites a breach of oaths by the councillors, who had taken their allegiance on August 7 before assuming office. Under Article XXXVIII(5) of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959, executive councillors—excluding the Menteri Besar—hold office at the pleasure of the ruler. The gazette states: “Therefore, I hereby withdraw my assent and revoke your appointments as members of the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council.”

The 10 councillors affected are Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli, Datuk Zaifulbahri Idris, Datuk Mustapha Nagoor, Siow Kong Choon, Siti Nur Umaira Hasim, Datuk Mohd Asna Amin, Datuk Mohd Razi Mohd Ali, Suhaimizan Bizar, Mohd Fairuz Mohd Isa, and Datuk Razali Abu Samah. Their removals follow weeks of tensions between Tuanku Muhriz and Ismail, who has accused the ruler of overreach in state affairs.

The dispute stems from broader disagreements over the composition and authority of the state executive council, with Tuanku Muhriz previously refusing to approve certain appointments. Legal experts have warned of potential constitutional challenges, as the move could set a precedent for future ruler-executive conflicts in Malaysia’s semi-autonomous states.

For Negeri Sembilan, the revocation deepens political instability, raising questions about the state’s governance and the balance of power between the elected government and the monarchy. Ismail has yet to respond publicly, but sources suggest he may explore legal recourse to challenge the decision. The next steps will likely involve consultations with the state’s legal advisors and possibly the federal government, given the constitutional implications.

Related: Negeri Sembilan