Ismail Lasim

Instrument of proclamation controversy

In early September 2026, a dispute concerning an instrument of proclamation relating to the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan attracted public attention. Several traditional chiefs of Negeri Sembilan, including the Undang Yang Empat ('four territorial chiefs'), the Tunku Besar of Tampin and the Dato' Shahbandar Sungai Ujong, alleged that Ismail had signed a document concerning the removal of Tuanku Muhriz from the position of Yang di-Pertuan Besar. According to the allegations, the document was signed on 3 August during a meeting in Port Dickson. Reports concerning the document and the meeting circulated publicly on 6 September. The authenticity of the document, the circumstances surrounding its signing and its legal effect became the subject of dispute. On 8 September, Ismail and the Negeri Sembilan state government expressed their support for Muhriz and reaffirmed their loyalty to him as Yang di-Pertuan Besar. Ismail also denied that UMNO president and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was involved in any attempt to remove Muhriz. The statement followed reports linking several UMNO leaders to a meeting held at Istana Laguna Biru in Port Dickson on 3 August.

On 9 September, Ismail admitted that he had signed the instrument of proclamation but stated that he had done so unwillingly and under duress. He said that a police report had been lodged earlier to enable an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the document. Ismail also maintained that the instrument did not comply with the procedures prescribed under Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 and therefore could not be enforced. On 10 September, lawyers representing the Undang Yang Empat gave a different account, stating that Ismail had signed the document voluntarily and without coercion. The same day, Ismail was reported to have met Ahmad Zahid at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre during the UMNO general assembly. The meeting lasted almost two hours, although its contents were not publicly disclosed.

The controversy was accompanied by reports of a possible resignation by Ismail as Menteri Besar. On 14 September, his press secretary denied reports that he would resign. The press secretary also denied that Ismail was scheduled to hold an official meeting with Ahmad Zahid on that date. On the same day, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed that police had opened an investigation paper into Ismail's allegation that he had been coerced into signing the instrument of proclamation. The investigation was ongoing at the time. Speaker of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly Awaludin Said also stated that his office had not received any notice or proposal for a motion of no confidence against Ismail. The statement followed speculation concerning the stability of the state administration amid the dispute involving the state constitutional and customary institutions.

On 15 September, Ismail stated that the Menteri Besar did not possess unilateral authority to remove or vacate the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. He said that matters concerning the position were governed by the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 and the principles of constitutional monarchy. The state executive council stated that the validity and effect of the instrument of proclamation would depend on its constitutional source of authority and compliance with the procedures prescribed by state law.

On 16 October, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, publicly rebuked Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ismail Lasim following Friday prayers (Solat Jumaat) at Masjid Kariah Beting in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. According to media reports, the incident arose from a disagreement concerning statements that allegedly challenged Tuanku Muhriz's position as the state's ruler. During the exchange, Tuanku Muhriz questioned the Menteri Besar's request for an audience and called on him to retract his alleged remarks.