Anwar Ibrahim warns against political interference in Malaysian monarchy

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has warned that the Malaysian monarchy system will fail if the institution is treated as a political tool or if its leadership can be changed arbitrarily without following legal and constitutional procedures. Speaking at the 41st Malaysia Chinese Cultural Festival in Melaka, Anwar emphasized that the monarchy must adhere to the Constitution and the law rather than political interests.

The remarks follow a dispute regarding the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir. The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) previously stated that a proclamation dated April 19 regarding the ruler's status was invalid because it failed to comply with the mandatory requirements of Article 10 of the Negeri Sembilan State Constitution 1959. The AGC further clarified that the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar and the State Executive Council do not possess the unilateral power to terminate or vacate the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

Anwar urged the Negeri Sembilan state government to take a firm stand and strictly follow the established legal processes and customs, including the unique selection system involving the Undang Yang Empat and Tunku Besar Tampin, to maintain stability and harmony.