Negeri Sembilan ruler Muhriz to replace chieftains as tussle for crown escalates

A months-long palace crisis in Malaysia's Negeri Sembilan state has escalated, with the incumbent ruler, Muhriz Munawir, preparing to install two new chieftains, known as Undang. This strategic move is intended to strengthen his claim to the throne amidst a fierce power struggle with his cousin, Nadzaruddin Jaafar.

The installation ceremonies are scheduled for June 25, just ahead of Nadzaruddin's planned visits to customary leaders in the Rembau territory on June 26. These public appearances by Nadzaruddin are part of his ongoing efforts to position himself as the state's rightful sovereign.

The conflict intensified on April 19 when four chieftains declared Muhriz deposed and named Nadzaruddin, the son of the previous ruler, as his replacement. Nadzaruddin was subsequently installed in an impromptu ceremony on June 5 in the neighboring state of Melaka.

Under Negeri Sembilan's unique Adat Perpatih customs, the Undang elect and can remove the state ruler. However, no formal inquiry was conducted against Muhriz before the attempt to depose him. The Undang themselves are elected by tribal chiefs, and divisions have emerged among these local leaders regarding the dispute.

Adding to the complexity, fellow royals from other Malaysian states have refused to affirm Muhriz's legitimacy, prompting the cancellation of the Conference of Rulers, which Muhriz was slated to chair. Sources indicate that these royals prefer Muhriz to resolve the dispute outside of court before the next conference in October. Muhriz's plan to fill the two vacant Undang positions could be an attempt to secure a majority and preempt a protracted legal battle.

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They would prefer that he resolves the dispute before the next meeting in October, but outside of court. Hence, he is seeking to fill the two vacant Undang roles, which will mean they no longer outnumber him.