No room to negotiate one-third representation principle, says Karim

No room to negotiate one-third representation principle, says Karim

2 hours ago

FMT Reporters

The Sarawak minister says the arrangement is rooted in the constitutional provisions established when Malaysia was formed in 1963.

Sarawak minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah praised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for describing the issue as a national agenda rather than one concerning only Sabah and Sarawak.

PETALING JAYA:

There is no basis for further negotiation of the principle of one-third parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak, says Sarawak minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister said the principle was rooted in the constitutional arrangements made during the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

“When we formed Malaysia in 1963, two-thirds of the seats were allocated to Malaya and one-third to Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak,” he was quoted as saying by the Borneo Post in Kuching today.

Under the 1963 arrangement, the 159-member Dewan Rakyat comprised 104 seats for Malaya, 16 for Sabah, 24 for Sarawak and 15 for Singapore.

Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore together had 55 seats, just over a third of the House, which Karim said reflected what those involved in Malaysia’s formation had agreed upon.

He said the disparity in parliamentary representation emerged after Singapore left Malaysia in 1965 and its 15 parliamentary seats were abolished, leaving Sabah and Sarawak with a smaller proportion of the total seats.

Karim said the present parliamentary composition, in which Peninsular Malaysia accounts for more than two-thirds of the seats, could allow constitutional amendments requiring a two-thirds majority to be passed without the support of Sabah and Sarawak representatives.

“That is why we want Sabah and Sarawak’s one-third share to be preserved,” he said.

Karim’s remarks come after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said last Friday (Sept 11) that the Federal Constitution would be amended to give Sabah and Sarawak greater parliamentary representation in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

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Anwar said while the possibility of more parliamentary seats in Peninsular Malaysia could not be ruled out, it must not undermine the need to increase Sabah and Sarawak’s representation.

He also said the details and mechanism would be discussed with the Election Commission, the state governments and the parties involved.

Karim, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu information chief, praised Anwar for describing the issue as a national agenda rather than one concerning only Sabah and Sarawak.

“Last night, the prime minister said he wanted the matter to be seen as a national agenda and not to be only looked at by those from Sabah and Sarawak.

“That is what our forefathers wanted, and that is how today’s leaders should look at it,” he said, referring to Anwar’s remarks at the Malaysia Day celebrations in Kuching yesterday.

Vodus study puts Anwar ahead of PM hopefuls with highest acceptance and first-choice support

Vodus study puts Anwar ahead of PM hopefuls with highest acceptance and first-choice support



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was also the most widely recognised figure in the study, with 93 per cent familiarity among respondents aware of the candidates. — Bernama pic


Summary

• A national study by Vodus Research identifies Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the leading candidate for Malaysia's prime ministership, highlighting his high public acceptance, first-choice support, and net acceptance among five candidates.
• The study shows that 46% of respondents would accept Anwar as prime minister, with substantial support particularly in East Malaysia.
• Anwar's administration's focus on Sabah and Sarawak is cited as bolstering his leadership perception.
• The research involved 1,482 participants and emphasizes that its findings are not predictive of electoral outcomes.

By Malay Mail
First Published: Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 5:19 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emerged as the strongest overall candidate for the prime ministership in a new national study by Vodus Research, recording the highest public acceptance, first-choice support and net acceptance among five prominent prospective candidates.

The Malaysia Prime Minister Candidate Study 2026 found that 46 per cent of respondents aware of the candidates said they would accept Anwar as prime minister, while 34 per cent named him as their first choice.

His net acceptance score stood at +19 percentage points, also the highest among the five candidates surveyed.

Anwar was also the most widely recognised figure in the study, with 93 per cent familiarity among respondents aware of the candidates.

His support was particularly strong in East Malaysia, where 41 per cent of respondents selected him as their top choice, compared with 28 per cent in Peninsular Malaysia.

Vodus Research founder Kelvin Goh said the findings showed that public assessments of potential national leaders went beyond a simple popularity contest, with familiarity, favourability, acceptability and first-choice support representing distinct measures.


“Anwar’s stronger support in East Malaysia may partly reflect his administration’s greater focus on Sabah and Sarawak, including progress on MA63-related matters, Sabah’s revenue entitlements, and Sarawak’s greater control over its resources,” he said in a statement.

“These moves have kept federal delivery, state rights, and fiscal fairness highly visible in the region, which may have strengthened perceptions of Anwar’s leadership there.”

Khairy Jamaluddin recorded 32 per cent acceptance and a net acceptance score of +15 percentage points, while Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi registered 17 per cent acceptance and +6 points.

Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar recorded 13 per cent acceptance, while Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli had 17 per cent acceptance and a net acceptance score of -3 points.

The study also found that Anwar’s first-choice support was more than twice that of Khairy, who recorded 14 per cent, while Onn Hafiz and Rafizi each registered eight per cent and Samsuri six per cent.

On personal favourability, however, Khairy recorded the highest net favourability score at +51 points, followed by Samsuri at +44, Onn Hafiz at +43, Anwar at +39 and Rafizi at +32.

Among those who viewed Anwar favourably, respondents most often cited his ability to grow the economy and create opportunities, as well as his experience in leading Malaysia, handling foreign affairs, attracting foreign investment and governance.

Across the study, economic growth and opportunities, a clear vision for Malaysia, strong and capable leadership, and improving Malaysians’ living standards were among the recurring factors respondents associated with favourable views of political figures.

The study involved 1,482 Malaysian adults aged 18 and above nationwide, with fieldwork conducted from Aug 18 to Sept 1.

Vodus said the findings represented a snapshot of public views during the fieldwork period and were not an electoral forecast or endorsement of any candidate or political party.

How Trump's Iran Operation Turned Into A Forever War

How Trump's Iran Operation Turned Into A Forever War

by Tyler Durden
Thursday, Sep 17, 2026 - 12:35 PM


Authored by Harrison Berger via Responsible Statecraft


As the United States has struggled to secure its four primary objectives in the Iran War - achieving regime change, dismantling long-range ballistic missiles, eliminating nuclear enrichment, and halting Tehran's support for regional proxies - U.S. officials have rolled out a series of tried-and-failed theories for how to achieve those goals

In the past four weeks, Americans have watched their government attempt to inflict an economic victory against Iran through Operation Economic Outcast, tightening a sanctions regime which for decades has strangled Iran's economy without resolving the underlying dispute.

Now, as that strategy flags, we have seen the Trump administration return to its older strategy of kinetic strikes against Iran. Those strikes, too, have failed to achieve their desired objectives.

Facing the prospect of a self-inflicted defeat, the U.S. has now proposed two new paths forward.

The first, reported by the Wall Street Journal last Wednesday, is an option to extend and formalize the current series of on-and-off strikes U.S. officials call this "mowing the lawn," or a strategy of using periodic bouts of disproportionate force, as Israel did in Gaza prior to launching its full-scale, seemingly endless campaign after the Oct. 7 attacks of 2023. To support that option, the Pentagon has extended troop deployments in the Middle East through 2027.

The second option reportedly considered by the White House is for the U.S. to declare victory and walk away, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that Trump favors the idea. Among the supporters of the second option is Joe Kent, the former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, who resigned in protest of the Iran War, and who has argued on X that the U.S. should "reset the terms of the deal" with Iran "by removing our troops & ships from the region." The argument that the U.S should walk away and "declare victory" is growing increasingly popular even in establishment circles.

But given the historic limitations of sanctions to achieve political outcomes, coupled with Iran's current demands, that strategy too appears unlikely to re-open the Strait of Hormuz and avert the economic consequences Iran's leverage over the waterway will have on the global economy.

Political scientists have long doubted whether U.S. economic pressure and sanctions can shape political outcomes, particularly when the targeted state has little reason to believe these measures will be reversed in exchange for good behavior; researchers like David Siegel are quick to acknowledge that they "don't work," while U.S. officials like Janet Yellen have conceded the same point, noting that, while sanctions against Iran had caused a "real economic crisis," they produced political outcomes "much less than we would ideally like."

As Siegel - who most recently studied the failure of U.S. sanctions on Russia to redirect their state behavior toward U.S. and NATO interests - explains, "target states have strong incentives not to give in and sometimes even benefit from heightened levels of political support at home because they can now credibly blame their economic woes on a foreign imperial power." Siegel argues that it's "probably more true today than ever before due to the fact that sanctioned states can turn to China."

The low likelihood of economic pressure opening up the Strait of Hormuz is depressed even further by the fact that one of Iran's preconditions for opening the Strait of Hormuz is the removal of sanctions, which would require a vote from Congress, where the proposal would face an uphill battle.

But perhaps the main reason walking away and declaring victory would fail to re-open the Strait and mitigate impending economic disaster is because Iran has tied freedom of navigation in the waterway to the U.S. reining in Israel, and the U.S. has long demonstrated it is unwilling to do so.

The June 17 agreement between the U.S. and Iran only required the U.S. force an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, and Washington failed to follow through. Now, subsequent provocations by the U.S. and Israel have led Iran to expand its ceasefire demands to other campaigns: in Iraq, in Yemen, and in Palestine.

Securing a deal to re-open the Strait and end the war is further complicated by the growing view around the world that the "Art of The Deal" author is simply incapable of making deals. Results of a 2025 Politico survey of diplomats from 15 countries show foreign officials describing Trump's deal-making process as "reactive, with no clear direction," while Trump has so far failed to resolve a proxy war in Ukraine that he promised to end "within 24 hours" of taking office. The White House has similarly failed to reach a peace deal in Gaza.

Under these conditions, the broader Iran War appears to be rapidly approaching what a chief executive of a Danish shipping firm described to the Financial Times as a "Ukraine-style stalemate." Speaking to the outlet in August, the CEO of Torn explained how "the Gulf leadership has realized they need to prepare themselves for a prolonged situation that lasts not days or weeks but months or years," adding that "with the U.S. acting the way it is, I think it is a dream world to imagine the world returns to the way it was 10 years ago in the foreseeable future."

The consequences of that "prolonged situation" will soon be felt even more by American consumers, as Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz has pushed diesel prices to their highest ever levels. Averting economic catastrophe will therefore require the U.S. to meet conditions it has so far been unwilling to accept; merely declaring victory and walking away won't do the trick.

***

Blame your own self for being led by the nose by Israel 😂😂😂

US bars Palestine’s Mahmoud Abbas from attending UN general assembly in New York

US bars Palestine’s Mahmoud Abbas from attending UN general assembly in New York



Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi receives Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas during a meeting in Cairo on September 16, 2026. — AFP pic


Summary

• The United States has denied entry visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other officials from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority (PA) to attend the UN General Assembly, citing their failure to reform and actions that undermine peace efforts.
• This decision continues a trend from the previous year and highlights tensions between the U.S. and other UN member states, including countries that recognize a Palestinian state.
• The move occurs amid escalating violence in the West Bank and a significant Israeli military campaign in Gaza following attacks by Hamas.
• While international concern over the violence is growing, the U.S. has expressed limited public opposition, focusing on opposing any annexation of Palestinian territory.

First Published: Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 10:34 AM MYT


WASHINGTON, Sept 17 — The United States has denied Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas an entry visa to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week, a source familiar with the case said Wednesday.

In a separate statement that did not mention Abbas by name, the State Department say it would deny visas to members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and officials with the Palestinian Authority (PA), “as a consequence of their failure to reform, contrary to their commitments to the United States, and their ongoing activities that undermine the prospects for peace.”

A source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that the Palestinian Authority president, Abbas, was covered by the measure.

The Trump administration took the same step last year, forcing the Palestinian leader, a regular at the UN General Assembly, to address the body of global leadership by video.


In its statement Wednesday, the State Department said that the PLO and PA had “once again, failed to live up to their commitments.”


“This includes initiating and supporting actions at international organizations that undermine and contradict prior commitments,” the department also said.

Washington also accused the organizations of “taking actions to internationalize the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict including through the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking to bypass negotiations through seeking unilateral recognition, and continuing to pay stipends to terrorists and to glorify acts of terrorism and terrorists in public pronouncements and school textbooks.”


The move puts the United States at odds with numerous countries, including France, that recognised a Palestinian state at the United Nations last year.

A total of 142 UN member states endorsed it following the conference on a two-state solution co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.

The decision comes as violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has escalated in recent months in the West Bank.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, and violence there has surged since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that triggered the war in the Gaza Strip.

According to an AFP tally based on Palestinian health ministry data, Israeli soldiers or settlers have killed at least 1,109 Palestinians in the West Bank – fighters and civilians – since October 7, 2023, when a Hamas-led attack killed more than 1,200 people.

The ensuing Israeli military campaign waged relentless strikes on Gaza that have killed more than 73,700 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which operates under Hamas authority and whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.

The international community has expressed concern over the violence, but the United States has remained largely quiet on the issue, saying only that the US government opposes any annexation of Palestinian territory. — AFP

Top Democrat opposes US sale of heavy bombs to Israel

Top Democrat opposes US sale of heavy bombs to Israel

9 hours ago
Nardine Saad

Getty Images


The top Democrat on a congressional committee that reviews weapons deals has said he will not support a proposed $2.8bn (£2.1bn) arms sale to Israel.

Gregory Meeks said he would not back the transfer of 2,000lb (900kg) bombs to Israel over concerns they might not be used in accordance with international law.

The New York congressman's objection follows reports that the US is planning to supply Israel with 40,000 of what Meeks called "some of the most destructive munitions in our arsenal".

But his objection is not enough to stop the sale - President Donald Trump's administration can sidestep Congress and press ahead anyway.

Meeks, a ranking member on the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a statement he remained committed to Israel's security.

But he said that the deal "raises grave, unresolved concerns about how these munitions could be used in densely populated areas of Gaza and Lebanon".

He said it reflected Congress's "responsibility to ensure that US-funded weapons are used lawfully, responsibly, and with meaningful safeguards for human life".

The BBC has asked the Israeli Embassy for comment.

J Street, a liberal pro-Israel advocacy group, said in a statement to Israeli newspaper Haaretz: "You cannot rebuild Gaza with 2,000lb bombs."

Lawmakers are informed by the US state department about arms sales exceeding a set dollar amount, allowing them to place an informal hold on the deal.

But the president can go ahead with the deal if he declares that an emergency requires an immediate sale.

A veto-proof resolution passed jointly by two-thirds of the House and Senate would be required to block the weapons transfer.

Israel's use of General Dynamics-manufactured 2,000lb bombs in Gaza has drawn international anger owing to their devastating effects in densely populated civilian areas.

In 2024, then-President Joe Biden paused a shipment of the bombs to Israel - a move reversed when President Trump returned to office last year.

The supply of the weapons is reported to be under Foreign Military Financing, a programme funded by American taxpayers that provides billions of dollars each year for Israel and other allies to buy US-made weapons.

The US-Israel relationship still has substantial bipartisan backing, but support has been softening among Democrats.

In July, Republican lawmaker Thomas Massie forced a vote on a bill to cut $3.3bn in security aid to Israel and he received support from 103 Democrats in the chamber. He was the only Republican to support the amendment.

Peninsula politicians should learn from Borneo, Anwar says as stony-faced Zahid looks on

Peninsula politicians should learn from Borneo, Anwar says as stony-faced Zahid looks on

Published: Sep 17, 2026 10:42 AM


Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim waxed lyrical about East Malaysian politicians while sneaking in a few jabs at his deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during his Malaysia Day address last night.

This comes amid tensions in Putrajaya, with Zahid needling Anwar to kick Umno out of the ruling coalition. If push comes to shove, Anwar will need the Borneo blocs' continued support to stay in power.

Anwar (above) delivered the Malaysia Day address in Kuching, Sarawak. Leaders from the federal and East Malaysian governments were present, including Zahid, Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg, and Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.

In his speech, Anwar expressed gratitude to Sabah and Sarawak leaders for their camaraderie.


"I am grateful for that at the cabinet level - yes, sometimes there are some voices at assemblies and so on. That is normal, keep calm," he said with a smile.

"But regarding my relationship with the Sarawak and Sabah government leaders, I deeply appreciate and am moved by such a strong friendship," he said.


The camera from the livestream of Anwar's speech then switched to a shot of Zahid sitting stony-faced while Sarawak Youth Minister Abd Karim Rahman Hamzah clapped (below).

Anwar then added: "I always tell my friends in the peninsula, there is much we can learn from Sabah and Sarawak leaders."


Zahid needles Anwar

Zahid, during the Umno general assembly, took multiple jabs at Anwar, criticising his economic policies and handling of Budi95 subsidies, and denouncing him as a teacher, while also challenging the premier to kick the party out of the federal government.

The Umno president - who wants a snap general election - claimed that this would cause the government to collapse.

However, that is not necessarily true.

Anwar commands support from 150 MPs, including seven ex-Bersatu lawmakers who are now independents.

BN only has 30 seats, and their exit would leave Anwar with 120 MPs - eight more than a simple majority.

However, to stay in power until the end of term, the prime minister will need support from the Borneo bloc, with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) commanding 23 and seven MPs, respectively.

The other Borneo parties he needs continued support from are Warisan (3 MPs), Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (2), and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (1), as well as Parti Bangsa Malaysia (1), led by Sarawak-based politician Larry Sng.


Well-managed economy, strong leadership

Earlier in his speech, Anwar also praised the Sarawak government for its ability to pay RM1.8 billion to Putrajaya to complete the takeover of the Bintulu Port.

He said this was proof of a well-managed economy and strong leadership.

"I say this not to campaign for GPS, no," he said with a small laugh.

"But because, and Zahid knows this, I was snapped at in Parliament (by MPs) asking why allocations for Sabah and Sarawak were increased, as though I fear their (East Malaysia's) demands.

"I answer that I see this as a promise and upholding justice. They (East Malaysia) are left behind; their roads are full of holes, and the Pan Borneo Highway must be completed.

"This is not my promise, but the promise of our forefathers. I am only continuing it because, to me, leaders must implement and fulfil their promises," he said.

However, the prime minister said that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) could not be fulfilled as long as peninsula politicians see it as an East Malaysian problem and not a national responsibility.

He also said this is because some "uneducated" MPs don't seem to understand that there is the Malaya Agreement of 1957 and the MA63.

Special interim grant increased

As part of his administration's push to fulfil MA63, Anwar yesterday announced that Sarawak's special interim grant will be increased to RM1.5 billion, similar to the increase in special payments to Sabah.

The annual interim grants are a temporary fix pending a long-term formula to fulfil Putrajaya's revenue-sharing obligations to East Malaysia as per Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.

Previously, Anwar had also announced that Putrajaya will move towards fulfilling the agreement that Sabah and Sarawak will make up one-third of Parliament seats.

Meanwhile, in the Sarawak premier's speech prior to the prime minister's, Abang Johari thanked Anwar for the increase in special payments and commitment to fulfil both the seat allocations and revenue-sharing obligations as per MA63.

He also said that Sarawak is advancing thanks to the strong partnership between GPS and the federal government.

Negeri Sembilan royal rumble: What's going on?

KINIGUIDE | Negeri Sembilan royal rumble: What's going on?

Zikri Kamarulzaman

Published: Sep 17, 2026 3:44 PM


KINIGUIDE | The crisis surrounding Negeri Sembilan’s monarchy has dragged on for almost half a year and may be approaching its climax.


Follow this Malaysiakini report through a timeline of events to understand what happened and where all the moving pieces are now.

But first.

Who are the Undang Yang Empat?

The Undang Yang Empat are the Minangkabau ruling chiefs of four luak (districts) in Negeri Sembilan - Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol, and Rembau. They are elected by an institution of clan leaders and matriarchs from each respective luak.

The four, by powers vested in them via the Negeri Sembilan Constitution, are responsible for electing the state’s ruler - the Yang di-Pertuan Besar or Yamtuan Besar - from among the descendants of Raja Radin Raja Lenggang.


The four, together with the ruler and other nobles including the tengku besar Tampin, are members of the Negeri Sembilan Council of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Ruling Chiefs (Dewan Keadilan dan Undang - DKU), which acts as an advisory body on customary affairs and the appointment and removal of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

Article 29 of the state constitution states that the undangs’ decisions are deemed to have “been duly exercised or performed if such powers were exercised or such duties were performed by at least three undangs or by as many of them as may be living at the time of the exercise of such powers or the performance of such duties”.


What’s the legal basis for this whole dispute?

The dispute centres on the powers of Negeri Sembilan’s four ruling chieftains to decide who sits on the throne.

Article 10(1) of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution states that the Undang Yang Empat can remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar if “His Highness has done any overt act detrimental to the sanctity, honour and dignity of a Yang di-Pertuan Besar”, among other reasons.

However, the provision states that prior to deposing the ruler, the undangs must conduct a "full inquiry".

Further, Article 10(2) states that a declaration of abdication needs to be signed by both the undangs and the menteri besar.

What is the current situation?

A group of undangs has moved to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir (below) as Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

However, the group’s legitimacy to enforce Article 10 is in question. They have also named Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the rightful ruler.

On Sept 16, the BN-led state exco issued a statement claiming Tuanku Muhriz’s removal is valid, although this is also being contested.

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim announced on Sept 17 that the state will gazette the appointment of Tuanku Nadzaruddin as ruler.


Timeline

Dispute between undang faction and Tuanku Muhriz began, as follows:

- December 2024

Sungai Ujong Undang Mubarak Thahak sacked two clan leaders over alleged abuse of government funds.

- May 13, 2025

Leaders from the Sungai Ujong clan - including the two who were sacked in December - move to oust Mubarak as undang.

There were reportedly 33 reasons for his removal, including acts which allegedly breached Islamic law and customs, with reports lodged with the police and the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Council.

As of writing, the reasons have not been disclosed to the public.

The ouster attempt was not immediately acted upon as it requires DKU's approval.

- March 5, 2026

Almost a year later, Mubarak moves against Tuanku Muhriz during a DKU meeting.

According to an affidavit by the then-undang of Johol, Muhammed Abdullah, the situation became tense when Mubarak (above, second from left) reprimanded Tuanku Muhriz over unspecified administrative and customary transgressions.

Muhammed, Mubarak and then-Jelebu undang Maarof Mat Rashad left the palace - ostensibly to ease tensions. They retreated to the Sungai Ujong council hall for a second meeting.

During that second meeting, the trio came to the conclusion that Tuanku Muhriz is not fit to be Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

They ordered then-menteri besar Aminuddin Harun - who was reportedly present - to carry out their decree as per Article 10, to remove Tuanku Muhriz, and to sign off on the order as per Article 10(2).

Aminuddin (above) reportedly agreed and said he will discuss the matter further with the state secretary and legal adviser. However, after several days, the order was not carried out.

READ MORE: Disclose minutes from council meet, chieftain's aide challenges N Sembilan MB

- April 17

The DKU has a special meeting. The Sungai Ujong clan leaders against Mubarak present their case to remove him as undang.

Tuanku Muhriz and all other members of the council were then reported to have accepted Mubarak’s removal as Sungai Ujong undang, effective May 13 last year.

According to former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Rais Yatim (above) - who is also the undang’s legal adviser -the views of those present, such as the tunku besar of Tampin, the datuk syahbandar of Sungai Ujong, and the undang of Johol, were not accepted.

- April 19

Mubarak and the other three undangs held a press conference where they made public their decision to remove Tuanku Muhriz.

They claim to have carried out a thorough investigation, believed to be aimed at fulfilling the enquiry requirements under Article 10.

They also declare Tuanku Nadzaruddin (above) as the rightful ruler.

- April 20

Aminuddin declared the undangs’ proclamation as void, citing Mubarak’s removal as undang.

However, the bigger issue is his refusal to sign off on the proclamation as required by Article 10(2).

- April 23

The undangs and the tunku besar Tampin boycotted the opening of the state legislature opening ceremony.

By custom, the five are supposed to accompany the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and sit by his side during the ceremony and opening speech.

Umno withdraws support from Aminuddin

- April 27

Negeri Sembilan Umno withdrew support from Aminuddin as menteri besar, citing displeasure over his handling of the dispute between the undangs and the ruler.

They planned to form a new state government with Perikatan Nasional support. However, Tuanku Muhriz reportedly refused to grant Umno an audience.

Instead, Aminuddin was tasked by the ruler to head a minority government.

- May

Sungai Ujong clan leaders from the Klana Hulu lineage who ousted Mubarak installed Faris Johari (below) as the new undang.

However, a rival group from the Perut Waris Hulu lineage proclaimed Abd Rahman Limat as undang instead.

Meanwhile, the Mubarak faction took the DKU to court, seeking the release of the council’s April 17 meeting minutes.

They later issued a decree “suspending” Raja Norazli Raja Nordin as DKU secretary.

Legislature dissolved, Mubarak faction installs new ruler

- June 5

The state legislature was dissolved with Tuanku Muhriz’s consent, paving the way for a snap state election.

Meanwhile, during a ceremony at a hotel in Alor Gajah, Malacca, the Mubarak faction installed Tunku Nadzaruddin as the new Yang di-Pertuan Negeri.

The rebel chieftains’ plan to hold the investiture ceremony was foiled after police barred entry to the tunku besar Tampin’s ceremonial hall.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim later announced that Putrajaya recognises Tuanku Muhriz as the rightful ruler.

Separately, the Seremban High Court granted a temporary injunction to preserve the status quo in the state monarchy and prevented the Mubarak faction from holding any special meetings.

- June 11

Tuanku Muhriz proclaimed his second child, Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin, as the new Tunku Panglima Besar Negeri Sembilan - replacing Tunku Nadzaruddin.

- June 27

Faris is formally recognised by Tuanku Muhriz as the new undang of Sungai Ujong.

Also formally recognised is Hassan Ab Hamid as the new undang of Rembau. The Rembau district customary council denied royal interference in their decision to appoint a new undang.

- June 30

The DKU affirms Tuanku Muhriz as the rightful ruler.

The council also declared the removal of Jelebu undang Maarof Mat Rashad and Sungai Ujong’s datuk syahbandar Badarudin Abdul Khalid, effective May 31, 2023 and July 30, 2026, respectively.

Both are aligned with the Mubarak faction.

- July 8

The High Court allows the DKU to initiate contempt proceedings against the Mubarak faction over their move to install Tunku Nadzaruddin as Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

BN wins, new MB

- Aug 1

BN won the Negeri Sembilan election with a two-thirds majority, riding on a wave of Malay unity support thanks to its new alliance with PAS and Perikatan Nasional.

Aminuddin’s bid to capture Linggi from BN failed.

- Aug 2

Ismail is sworn in as menteri besar.

- Aug 3

Behind the scenes, Ismail met with the Mubarak faction and rival claimant to the throne, Tunku Nadzaruddin.

During the meeting, reportedly in the presence of his lawyer, Ismail signed a document affirming the Mubarak faction’s decree in April removing Tuanku Muhriz as ruler.

This was meant to fulfil Article 10(2)’s requirement that the menteri besar signs the decree to remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

MB flip-flops, state govt moves against Tuanku Muhriz

Sept 6

Over a month later, the Mubarak faction released a statement revealing that the menteri besar signed the decree against Tuanku Muhriz.

Ismail did not deny the statement but indicated that he was not on board. He claimed to be loyal to Tuanku Muhriz.

- Sept 8

The Mubarak faction held a press conference showing the document that Ismail signed.

Ismail lodged a police report over the matter.

- Sept 9

Ismail released a statement saying he signed the document under duress. He also said that the document is void and does not fulfil the requirements as per Article 10.

He again declared loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz.

- Sept 15

Ismail issues another statement saying that the menteri besar does not have unilateral power to decide who becomes the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.'

- Sept 16

The state exco issued a statement saying the Mubarak faction’s decree to remove Tuanku Muhriz is valid. They also recognised Tunku Nadzaruddin as the new ruler.

- Sept 17

The DKU rejected the exco’s declaration. The council’s lawyers applied to initiate contempt proceedings.

Ismail breaks his silence and has U-turned on his position. He declared that the state administration will accept the Mubarak faction’s April 19 proclamation to remove Tuanku Muhriz.

The state government will gazette the appointment of Tunku Nadzaruddin as the new ruler.


[More to follow]