Negeri Sembilan crisis deepens as political fault lines widen, pressure mounts on MB

Attempts to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir have spilled into a wider political crisis, drawing in the Menteri Besar and exposing fractures within Umno-led Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan – fuelling concerns over stability.

KUALA LUMPUR: What began as a constitutional impasse in Negeri Sembilan has escalated into a full-blown political crisis, marked by competing claims to authority, shifting alliances, and the prospect of a snap state election.

Less than 24 hours after a flurry of statements left more questions than answers, the situation has worsened. Attempts to remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, have now drawn in the Menteri Besar and state government, exposing fractures within Umno-led Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH).

At the centre is Tuanku Muhriz, who has remained in position amid what has been described as a contentious and opaque move by the four Undang – the traditional chieftains empowered under the state constitution to appoint and depose the ruler. While such provisions exist, the lack of transparency surrounding the attempt has fuelled speculation and unease.

The standoff has placed Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun under pressure after 14 Umno assemblymen withdrew support for his leadership. Despite this, Aminuddin has remained resolute.

Following an audience with Tuanku Muhriz, he said the ruler had instructed him to continue administering the state until his majority in the legislative assembly is formally determined.

“The state government will continue functioning as usual,” he told reporters in Seremban, adding that Umno representatives would no longer sit in the state executive council.

The withdrawal has reshaped the numbers in the 36-seat assembly. PH holds 17 seats, BN 14, and Perikatan Nasional (PN) five. While Aminuddin’s position is weakened, it is not yet untenable.

Complicating matters, PN has declared its willingness to work with BN to form a new state government. Its five assemblymen said they were prepared to back BN “to ensure political stability”, raising the prospect of a shift in administration if formalised.

Such a realignment would carry implications beyond Negeri Sembilan, potentially straining BN’s partnership with PH at the federal level.

Attention has also turned to Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, the Rantau assemblyman and former Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar from 2004 to 2018.

Whether he endorses the withdrawal of support remains unclear, but his stance is seen as pivotal given his seniority and influence within the party.

Analysts say clarity from Umno’s top leadership is urgently needed.

Professor James Chin of Monash University Malaysia said it was unclear whether the move had federal backing.

“It is not clear whether Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was informed or whether this was a state-level decision,” he said, adding that it could be seen as a rebellion if not endorsed.

Chin also noted the close link between the political manoeuvring and the royal crisis.

“We are hearing statements from both sides, but no documentation has been produced. This makes it a very sensitive issue, especially given its connection to the monarchy,” he said.

He added that Mohamad would inevitably have to weigh in.

“If Mohamad agrees, it suggests Umno’s aim is to secure the Menteri Besar’s position,” he said.

Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Professor Dr Azmi Hassan raised similar concerns, questioning whether Mohamad was among those backing the move.

“If he agrees, it would indicate endorsement from the top leadership. But at this stage, we cannot say for sure,” he said, noting that Mohamad is currently overseas in his capacity as Foreign Minister.

Azmi warned the move could backfire.

“Even if Umno wants the Menteri Besar post, this is not the way. The party risks being seen as taking advantage of the situation,” he said.

He added that the withdrawal appeared hasty and could undermine public confidence, particularly given PH-BN’s cooperation in the 2023 state election.

Associate Professor Dr Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk of Universiti Sains Malaysia said the Menteri Besar’s earlier response to the Undang may have contributed to his vulnerability.

“The MB was said to be overstepping his boundary. Sensing this, it is politically the right time for Umno to act,” he said.

He added that PN’s willingness to support BN had raised the stakes.

“No one really knows the motivation behind the move to oust the ruler, but constitutionally, the Undang have that authority. The political dimension is clearly in play,” he said.

Pacific Research Centre principal adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun said Umno’s actions may be driven by a bid to reclaim leadership in the state.

“With 14 seats compared to PKR’s five, Umno may feel it has the stronger claim to lead. The royal dispute could be a backdrop, but the underlying motive is political,” he said.

He warned that aligning with PN would be risky.

“It would strain Umno’s relationship with PH at the federal level, so they have to tread carefully,” he said.

Amid the uncertainty, DAP has reaffirmed its support for the constitutional monarchy and the current state government.

Secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said the party would uphold the principles enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the Negeri Sembilan constitution.

He stressed that any move to remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar must follow proper legal processes, while reiterating support for Aminuddin.

DAP also rejected any attempt to form a “backdoor government”, signalling its intent to maintain the mandate from the 2023 state election.

Attention is now turning to possible next steps, including the dissolution of the state assembly to pave the way for a snap election.

Such a move would require the ruler’s consent, adding another layer of complexity.

For now, Negeri Sembilan finds itself in uncharted territory, where constitutional questions, royal prerogatives and political ambitions intersect.

With key decisions pending and positions unclear, the crisis shows little sign of abating and may yet enter a more volatile phase.

Image: Anthony Loke Siew Fook/Facebook