Calm before the storm in Negeri Sembilan?

A quiet tension is in the air as observers eagerly await the next development in the Negeri Sembilan royal crisis.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had an hour-long audience with embattled ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir at the state's satellite palace in Kuala Lumpur yesterday evening.

However, no statements have been issued, and it is not clear what transpired during the meeting.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim were also expected to have an audience with Tuanku Muhriz, but there have been no reports of the meeting taking place.

In addition to the audiences, all eyes are also on the Council of Rulers and whether they would intervene in the crisis one way or another.

As it stands now, the state cabinet wants to get rid of Tuanku Muhriz (above) and accede to demands by a group of rebel customary chieftains who want Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as ruler instead.

However, their efforts are being frustrated by the state secretary, who has refused to gazette the installation of Tunku Nadzaruddin, while Tuanku Muhriz has also decreed the removal of all state exco members except for the menteri besar.

Neither side has indicated a willingness to give in to the other, leading to a standoff.

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