Tuanku Muhriz revokes Negeri Sembilan exco appointments, gazette confirms

NEGERI SEMBILAN, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir has revoked the appointments of 10 Negeri Sembilan state executive councillors, effective September 20, after they violated their oath of allegiance to the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, according to a gazette notification published today.

The affected councillors include seven from UMNO, two from MCA, and one each from PAS and Wawasan Negara. Among them are Mustapha Nagoor (Palong), Siow Kong Choon (Chennah), and Fairuz Isa (Serting). UMNO now holds nine seats in the state assembly, while MCA retains one, PAS three, and Wawasan two.

The revocation deepens a constitutional standoff between Tuanku Muhriz and Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim, who earlier insisted the exco remained intact. Ismail argued the move was unconstitutional, as he was not consulted before the decision and claimed the affected councillors were barred from their duties.

He also confirmed the exco had suspended secretary Zafir Ibrahim and state legal adviser Muzalmah Mustapha Kamal on September 22, though both the Chief Secretary’s Department and the Attorney-General’s Chambers rejected the suspensions.

Negeri Sembilan’s constitution grants the state ruler broad authority over exco appointments, but Ismail’s refusal to comply with the ruler’s demand for a new lineup by September 20 has intensified political tensions. Legal experts note that while the ruler’s power is constitutionally protected, the Menteri Besar’s advisory role remains a critical procedural step in such matters.

The political fallout may influence investor sentiment in Negeri Sembilan-linked sectors, particularly real estate and state-backed projects, as uncertainty over leadership continuity could deter private-sector engagement. For UMNO, the loss of seven exco members weakens its dominance in the state assembly, potentially reshaping power dynamics ahead of future elections.

The next critical test will be whether Ismail’s administration legally challenges the revocations or whether Tuanku Muhriz proceeds with appointing replacements. Legal advisers suggest the dispute may require constitutional interpretation, possibly involving the Federal Court. In the short term, political instability could delay state-level decision-making, particularly on economic policies and infrastructure projects.

Businesses operating in Negeri Sembilan should monitor developments closely, as the resolution of this crisis could have broader implications for state governance and investor confidence. The standoff also raises questions about administrative stability in a state where economic policies often intersect with federal-level initiatives.

Related: Negeri Sembilan