Kuala Lumpur, 23 April 2026: The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) expresses concern over recent developments in Negeri Sembilan following the proclamation led by a former Undang calling for the abdication and replacement of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir. The validity of the proclamation itself has been called into question by former judge of the Court of Appeal, Dato’ Seri Hishamudin Yunus, in an article published by The Edge earlier today, assuming that there had been no due process carried out in the call for abdication. Furthermore, he stated that the proclamation was also read by the former Undang of Sungei Ujong, whose removal by his own waris was duly recognised by the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang.
Malaysia’s constitutional monarchy rests upon a fundamental principle: all authority, whether political, administrative, or traditional, must operate within the framework of law and the Constitution. Stability, legitimacy, and public confidence depend not on competing assertions of authority, but on adherence to established constitutional processes.
We urge civil society partners and the public to call for the upholding of the supremacy of the Constitution. The Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 provides clear structures governing abdication and succession of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. Any attempt to alter the position of the Ruler must strictly comply with these constitutional provisions and lawful processes. Constitutional order cannot be replaced by unilateral declarations or contested interpretations. “It is axiomatic that the Malay Rulers must be allowed to fulfil their role without undue obstruction. Unwarranted interference would not only serve to impede their fulfilling their constitutional roles, it could also undermine peace and stability,” wrote Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, senior constitutional and human rights lawyer.
The rule of law must prevail over individual personalities. Regardless of status or tradition, decisions affecting the office of the Ruler must be determined through lawful mechanisms recognised by the Constitution, customary authority, and judicial legitimacy where necessary. The stability of our constitutional monarchy is imperative in maintaining public confidence.
IDEAS echoes former Judge of the Court of Appeal and Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Dato’ Mohamad Ariff bin Md Yusof, who states, “A constitution is built upon a fine balance to protect and nurture a chosen form of government, in our case, Parliamentary Democracy. Any attempt to disrupt that fine balance by an extraneous factor can only lead to unfortunate consequences, most times unintended.”
Actions that create uncertainty over constitutional authority risk undermining the public’s trust, not only in our royal institutions but also in governance more broadly. We reaffirm that respect for the rule of law, adherence to constitutional processes, and commitment to good governance and integrity remain indispensable to Malaysia’s democratic development and institutional resilience.
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Ryan Panicker
Manager, Advocacy and Events
T: 03 – 2070 8881/8882 | E: ryannesh@ideas.org.my
