SEREMBAN: Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has confirmed withdrawing an objection letter sent to Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, reaffirming his support for Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan.
He said the confirmation followed the circulation of the letter’s contents on social media, which he said clearly stated his position.
“The letter has gone viral, and you (reporters) must have read it, so I can confirm the letter.
“The letter is self-explanatory.
“I believe the letter is one of the (efforts) to resolve the ongoing crisis in Negri Sembilan,” he told reporters after the state-level Deepavali 2026 open house celebration.
A letter dated Nov 10 had earlier circulated on social media, stating that Ismail and 10 state executive councillors (excos) whose appointments had been revoked had withdrawn an earlier representation submitted to the Conference of Rulers on Sept 17.
In the letter, Ismail said the decision was made in consideration of the Rulers’ Oct 14 media statement and the Seremban High Court order dated June 5, which maintained the status quo of Tuanku Muhriz’s position as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
He said the decision was also aimed at upholding the Negri Sembilan Constitution 1959, preserving the proper order of the state’s constitutional monarchy and ensuring the continuity of state administration in a peaceful and orderly manner.
On the state legislative assembly sitting and the tabling of the state’s 2027 Budget, Ismail said both matters were still awaiting Tuanku Muhriz’s consent.
“We have yet to receive Tuanku’s consent (for the opening of the state assembly sitting), but I have submitted a request for an audience with him.
“The same applies to the status of the state executive council line-up. As I have yet to meet Tuanku, there have been no developments or discussions on the matter so far.
“We need to seek Tuanku’s views first, so I cannot comment further,” he said.
Ismail said Nov 26 was the date proposed by the state government for the assembly sitting, but its commencement was subject to Tuanku Muhriz’s consent.
“That is the date proposed by the state government, and if Tuanku consents, we will proceed.
“However, under the Negri Sembilan Constitution, Nov 27 is the deadline for tabling the budget, as it must be completed before the end of the year,” he said.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed confidence that the political crisis in Negri Sembilan could be resolved soon.
He said he hoped a solution could be reached through a spirit of cooperation among the parties involved, as had been demonstrated during the formation of the state government.