KUALA LUMPUR – A fierce power clash erupts in Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan, where four traditional chieftains, the Undang, declared on April 19 the deposition of Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, 78, over unspecified misconduct, nominating Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as successor.
The Undang, representing districts of Sungei Ujong, Jelebu, Johol, and Rembau, wield unique authority under Adat Perpatih customs to elect and remove the non-hereditary ruler. State leader Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun rejected the move April 20, invalidating chieftain Datuk Mubarak Thahak’s vote after his April 17 ouster by the Malay customs advisory body for 33 breaches, backdated to May 2025.
Undang fired back April 21, demanding Aminuddin’s removal as unfit, urging state legislators to replace him. Police chief Alzafny Ahmad warned against incitement, threats, or fake news amid the standoff.
Unlike hereditary sultanates, Negeri Sembilan’s throne rotates among royals; Tuanku Muhriz, once skipped at 19 for youth, ascended at 60 after his uncle’s reign. Legal experts like Lim Wei Jiet call it a constitutional crisis: Undang hold deposition powers for misconduct, but procedure is disputed, with Tuanku Muhriz still reigning.
Resolution paths include customs body rulings, judicial review (tricky for royal matters), or political deals swaying Undang. Expert Abdul Aziz Bari warns of constitutional paralysis, pushing for courts as the impasse escalates toward the April 23 assembly opening.