Zahid urges measures to sustain Negri administration amid political uncertainty

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed that the federal government is coordinating measures to sustain the Negri Sembilan state administration following the revocation of all 10 executive council members.

The Deputy Prime Minister stated that steps are underway to ensure the state government continues to function smoothly despite the sudden vacancy in its leadership structure.

Ahmad Zahid made the remarks after attending the 18th annual general assembly of the Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party in Kuala Lumpur. He emphasized that the situation must be handled in strict accordance with the state constitution, local customs, and existing regulations. The primary objective, he said, is to coordinate efforts without federal interference, aiming to find the optimal solution for the crisis currently facing the state.

The political disruption stems from a decision made on Sept 20 by Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan. The royal revoked the appointments of the entire state executive council, a move formally gazetted on Sept 24. This action left Datuk Ismail Lasim, the Mentri Besar, as the sole official currently serving in the state government.

Ahmad Zahid disclosed that he had granted Ismail Lasim a mandate to seek the best possible resolution. This includes holding an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and engaging directly with the Undang, or ruling chiefs, and other customary leaders in the state. The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that engagement with these traditional institutions is vital for finding an amicable path forward while respecting established constitutional and customary frameworks.

He expressed a clear desire for the issue to be resolved without further escalation. "We want the issue to be resolved amicably," Ahmad Zahid said. He added that it is critical that the people are given priority and their specific problems are addressed.

The federal stance, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, is to prevent the situation from worsening and to ensure that the general public does not suffer as a result of the political uncertainty.

The revocation of the exco appointments has created an immediate administrative gap in the state. Since the cancellation was gazetted, photographs of the 10 removed exco members have been taken down from the official government portal. Only the photograph of the Mentri Besar remains visible under the state executive council section. This visual change underscores the severity of the vacuum in state leadership that the current administration must navigate.

Ahmad Zahid’s intervention highlights the delicate balance between federal oversight and state autonomy in Malaysia’s federal structure. By stating that the federal government is acting "without looking to interfere," he seeks to reassure stakeholders that the central authority is supporting, rather than dictating, the resolution process. The focus on engaging the Undang and customary leaders suggests that the solution will likely involve traditional power dynamics as much as constitutional law.

For observers of Malaysian politics, the episode in Negri Sembilan serves as a test case for how state institutions manage extreme personnel crises. The mandate given to Ismail Lasim to seek an audience with the ruler indicates a push for direct dialogue between the chief minister and the monarch.

The outcome of these discussions will determine whether a new executive council is appointed promptly or if the state operates under a caretaker arrangement for an extended period.

The situation remains fluid, with no immediate timeline provided for the reinstatement or replacement of the exco members. Ahmad Zahid’s comments aim to project stability and a controlled approach to managing the fallout. As the state government adjusts to operating with a single official, the pressure on Ismail Lasim to secure a constitutional resolution is significant. The federal government’s stated goal is to mitigate any negative impact on public services and governance in the state.