Palace plot in Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan entangles Umno leaders

Umno, Malaysia's dominant Malay nationalist party, is embroiled in a royal controversy in Negeri Sembilan. The party's president has denied attending a meeting allegedly connected to an attempt to depose the state's ruler. This situation places the new Umno-led state government, in office for only six weeks, under significant pressure. The controversy revives a royal crisis that previously led to the downfall of the previous government and a snap election in August. The issue is sensitive for Umno, which positions itself as a protector of Malay rulers, who hold constitutional powers including the appointment of chief ministers.