The Bid For Power In Negeri Sembilan Continues

By: Leticia Liew

The constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan escalated as the secretary of Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) was suspended indefinitely by a group of traditional chieftains led by an ousted chief. The suspension has gained traction nationwide because the DKU is responsible for providing customary law advice, known as ‘Adat Perpatih’, and holds the highest authority for traditional and royal disputes—particularly the one that has gripped Negeri Sembilan recently. 

The Start of It All 

On April 17, Aminuddin, the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, announced that Mubarak Dohak, the Undang of Sungei Ujong, was removed from office. This decision was made following a discussion with the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU). This governing council in Negeri Sembilan holds the highest authority for traditional and royal disputes, and has confirmed his removal from office, effective May 2025.

In retaliation, all four Undangs suddenly declared that the state monarch would be removed. This daring accusation was made possible due to Negeri Sembilan’s electoral monarchy, as Yamtuan Besar is chosen by four territorial chieftains, called the “Undang Yang Empat”. 

Undang Jelebu, Undang Johol, Undang Rembau, Tunku Besar Tampin and Dato’ Shahbandar Sungai Ujong, were led by Mubarak Dohak, vaguely citing misconduct by the Yantuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz. They named Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'afar (the Tunku Panglima Besar) as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar. However, Mubarak’s claim was declared invalid by Aminuddin, since he was already sacked and their ways of deposing the reigning monarch were unconstitutional. They all boycotted the state assembly opening, paralysing Negeri Sembilan politics.

Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir receives the speech text from the Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, at the opening of the 15th state assembly in Seremban. (Credit: Bernama)

Constitutional turns Political 

Following Aminuddin’s announcement, 14 BN and UMNO members withdrew support for the Menteri Besar, accusing him of failing to respect traditional institutions and mishandling the royal crisis. Seeing this, the PN coalition, holding five seats, rushed to sign a cooperation pact with UMNO, overwhelming Aminuddin’s PH coalition.

Eager to avoid political instability, Yamtuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz advised Aminuddin to remain in office as a minority party. Federal leaders Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (PH) and Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (UMNO) also stepped in to emphasise the Yamtuan Besar’s decision, and forced UMNO to back down and abide by central leadership decisions. 

The state assembly was deferred for another six months, postponing further attempts to unseat Aminuddin. However, the political landscape remains unstable, with UMNO members continuing to express their loss of confidence in Aminuddin. 

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, clarifying on his position as Menteri Besar. On the left is DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke, and Negeri Sembilan Amanah Chairman Datuk MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman on the right. (Credit: Bernama)

Plan B 

It soon became apparent that their plans to overturn the current leadership were not working. On the same day that the government stabilised, Mubarak, Undang Jelebu, Undang Johol, Undang Rembau, Tunku Besar Tampin and Datuk Shahbandar Sungai Ujong filed an originating summons in the Seremban High Court against the secretary of the DKU, the DKU itself and the state government.

They claimed that the April 17 meeting was a procedural ambush, as invitations were issued last-minute and a clear agenda was not provided. They argue that they had never voted to sack Mubarak, and the decision was unilaterally pushed through by the Palace and the Menteri Besar. Hence, they requested for a court order to release the minutes of the April 17 DKU meeting, and to freeze DKU’s enforcement of the decision made in the meantime. 

The DKU’s response was that under Article 16(3) of the State Constitution of Negeri Sembilan, their advice on matters relating to state customs, including the election, succession, removal or vacation of any ruling chief, is absolute and cannot be challenged in any court. Furthermore, the palace highlighted that Mubarak is no longer a member of the DKU, and has no right to obtain the minutes. 

The decision to suspend Mubarak’s removal was rejected, while the DKU was ordered to file affidavits. The hearing is set to July 28, to see if the lawsuit will successfully take place.

Affidavits - a written statement of facts made voluntarily by a person. 

‘Operation Organise Meeting’ Failed 

The four Undangs, Tunku Besar Tampin and Datuk Shahbandar Sungai Ujong, called for a special meeting to discuss the ongoing royal crisis. However, DKU secretary Raja Norazli refused to send out invitations to members of the DKU to convene that special meeting, stating that the parties involved were locked in a major legal dispute and it would prejudice the legal process. 

A new committee was quickly established to take over all secretarial duties. Invitations were sent for a meeting on June 5, including Tuanku Muhriz. The biggest anecdote of it all is that they hold no power to suspend the secretary, as Article 25 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959 states that only the Yamtuan Besar has the authority to appoint or suspend the DKU secretary. The secretary still retains his position constitutionally—but not in actuality.

“His action is reckless, contrary to customary rules, highly insolent, and renders him unfit to hold the position of DKU secretary,”

-Undang Jelebu Maarof (centre), after a meeting with the ruling chiefs, Tunku Besar Tampin and Datuk Shahbandar Sungei Ujong in Tampin. (Credit: Mohd Amin Jalil, NSTP, 29 May 2026)

It is hard to tell which side will emerge victorious in this political battle.

Will there be a complete change in the palace and state government? Or is the current leadership strong enough to weather the storm?

We’ll have to wait and see what other tactics both sides still have up their sleeves.