Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Negeri Sembilan Yang di-Pertuan Besar, after a group proclaimed Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'afar the state’s new Ruler in a hotel in Alor Gajah, Melaka on June 5, 2026. — Picture by Yusof Isa (New users only) It's tax relief season! Get up to RM300 when you save with Versa! Plus, enjoy an additional FREE RM10 when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with a min. cash-in of RM100 today. T&Cs apply. By Muhammad Yusry Friday, 05 Jun 2026 3:37 PM MYT PUCHONG, June 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reaffirmed Putrajaya’s recognition of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, as the state’s royal succession dispute widened into the courts, the police and now a snap election.The prime minister also questioned the optics of claims that a new Ruler had been proclaimed at a hotel in Melaka, saying matters involving the monarchy should be handled in a way that preserves the institution's dignity and public confidence.“Based on the constitutional line of succession as it stands, we continue to recognise Tuanku Muhriz as the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan."We ask that any differing views be pursued through legitimate constitutional channels without causing public anxiety, complicating state affairs or disrupting the state government,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Meranti here.Anwar said while individuals have the right to seek remedies under the law and state constitution, attempts to remove a ruler carry far-reaching implications for the country.“I do not deny anyone's right to pursue matters through the proper legal channels and under the state constitution.“However, the arguments put forward must be strong.“Removing or abolishing any ruler would have very significant implications for the country and its stability,” he said.He said the federal government, while not directly involved in the dispute, had a responsibility to offer its views given the importance of the monarchy to national stability.“That is why we take this matter seriously, and I have conveyed these views to the relevant parties.“We must follow the legal process.“The court has already made its decision and we have also offered our advice,” he said.Anwar also took issue with reports that a rival proclamation had been conducted at a hotel after a planned meeting of the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) was blocked.“However, the declaration was still made at a hotel, which I believe also affects the image and identity of the monarchy when such matters are conducted on hotel premises,” he said.His remarks came a day after the Negeri Sembilan Legislative Assembly was dissolved with Tuanku Muhriz’s consent, paving the way for a state election.Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun announced the dissolution after an audience with the ruler at Istana Besar Seri Menanti.Anwar supported the move, saying an election was the best way to avoid prolonged uncertainty arising from the dispute surrounding the state's royal institution.“That is why I fully support the menteri besar's position that, given the confusion and uncertainty surrounding this matter, the best course of action is to hold an election, and Tuanku has consented to that,” he said, referring to Tuanku Muhriz by the latter’s title.The dispute escalated earlier today after the High Court granted an interim injunction preventing a planned DKU meeting and restraining efforts to remove its secretary, Raja Norazli Raja Nordin, pending further proceedings.Despite the court order, former Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim later claimed that Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'afar had been proclaimed the 12th Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan during a gathering at a hotel in Alor Gajah, Melaka.