KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has denied being involved in the dispute over the adat and royal institutions in Negri Sembilan.
Its secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the adat and royal institutions in Negri Sembilan were different from those in other states and should not be interfered with by politicians or the rakyat.
"We must not conflate government administration with the implementation and functioning of adat and royal institutions.
"The people must be given the correct facts, Umno has never been involved in, nor interfered with, these matters," he told reporters at the closing of the 2026 MRSM Bintang Media today.
Asyraf was responding to questions about perceptions that Umno was involved in the crisis.
Also present were Media Prima News and Current Affairs managing director Jasbant Singh, Media Prima Berhad News and Current Affairs deputy group managing editor Datuk Farrah Naz Abd Karim, who is also the New Straits Times group editor, and Television Networks News and Current Affairs group editor Datuk Azhari Muhidin.
He said Umno was the only party whose constitution explicitly stated that it upheld the institution of the Malay Rulers.
He said protecting and upholding Adat Perpatih and the royal institution in the state had been among the party's commitments during the election campaign.
"How could a party whose constitution is founded on that principle interfere in these matters or take sides with any party in a dispute involving the royal and adat institutions?" he said.
On Sept 13, Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim confirmed that a proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negri Sembilan had been approved.
He said the decision was unanimously endorsed by all members of the Negri Sembilan state executive council at its meeting.
The Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) then said the menteri besar and state executive council members did not have the unilateral power to remove the Ruler or vacate the position.
The A-GC said the validity and legal effect of the April 19 proclamation must be determined through the constitutional and legal process under the Negri Sembilan Constitution.
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