Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959

The Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan Part I was firstly introduced on 1 February 1948, following the formation of Federation of Malaya. Under the State Agreement, the Malay Rulers are required to promulgated their State Constitution of which are used to distinguish the legislative power from the executive power by constituting a legislative body. Since its introduction, the constitution underwent seven amendments.^[3][4]

After Malaya gained independence, following the Fourth Schedule of Federation of Malaya Agreement 1957, the previous Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan was revoked and replaced with the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959.^[5]

The Constitution, in its current form (9 October 2003), consists of 2 Parts, 17 chapters containing 84 articles and 1 schedule.

• Chapter 1 - Preliminary

Preliminary contains four articles; article 1 for short title and date of commencement, article 2 for First Part of the Laws of the Constitution, article 3 for saving of the First Part of the Constitution and article 4 for interpretation of the first part using the provisions of article 34 of the second part.

• Chapter 2 - Religion of the State

Chapter 2 contains two articles; article 5 and 6. It pertains to the religion of the state and Yang di-Pertuan Besar's role as the Head of Religion. An Islamic Religious Council is also established to advise him and the Chiefs or Undang on religious matter. It also provides that everyone has the freedom to practice his own religion.

• Chapter 3 - Yang di-Pertuan Besar

Chapter 3 contains six articles; article 7 to 11. This chapter pertains to the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, including the qualifications of becoming the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, rules regarding the abdication of Yang di-Pertuan Besar and selection of new Yang di-Pertuan Besar by the four undangs.

• Chapter 4 - Regency

Chapter 4 contains two articles; article 12 and 13. It addresses the conditions that requires a regency, the process of appointing a regent and the regents role in Conference of Rulers.

• Chapter 5 - The Rulling Chiefs

Chapter 5 contains two articles; article 14 and 15, respectively pertains to the Undangs of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Jolol and Rembau, Tengku Besar of Tampin and the Dato Syahbandar of Sungai Ujong.

• Chapter 6 - Dewan Keadilan dan Undang

Chapter 6 contains ten articles; article 16 to 25. It addresses the functions of Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (The Council of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Rulling Chiefs), the appointment of its members, and rules regarding the council's proceedings.

• Chapter 7 - Honours and Dignities

Chapter 7 contains two articles; article 26 to 27. This chapter pertains to the Yang di-Pertuan Besar's role as the fountain of honours and dignity. It addresses the Yang di-Pertuan Besar's powers in giving honours, and the power to degrade any rank or title he had conferred.

• Chapter 8 - General Provisions

Chapter 8 contains five articles; article 28 to 32.

• Article 28 pertains to subjection of Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Undangs to article 40 of the second part of the constitution.
• Article 29 pertains to Exercise of powers and duties by Undangs
• Article 30 pertains to Order of precedence
• Article 31 pertains to State Emblem, Insignia of Royalty, Yang di-Pertuan Besar's Standard and the Flag of the State
• Article 32 pertains to preservation of State Ancient constitution and ancient custom.

• Chapter 1 - Preliminary

Part 2 Preliminary consists of two articles; article 33 for second part of the Laws and article 34 for interpretation of the terminologies used by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Rulling Chiefs, and the State Government and its organs and servants.

• Chapter 2 - Executive

This chapter contains eleven articles; article 35 to 44. It pertains to executive authority power of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, the process of appointment of Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, State Secretary, Legal Advisor, Financial Officer, and the members of Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council and rules regarding the proceedings of the council.

• Chapter 3 - The Power of Pardon

This chapter contains one article; article 45. It addresses the power of Yang di-Pertuan Besar to give pardon, reprieve or respite to convicted criminals that carries out crime in the state. It also pertains to the Pardon Board, its membership and its role.

• Chapter 4 - Capacity of the State

This chapter contains one article; article 46. It addresses the capacity of the state to acquire, hold or dispose of property of any kind, and to sue or be sued.

• Chapter 5 - The Legislature

This chapter contains twenty two articles; article 47 to 68. It pertains to the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly, its memberships, summoning, prorogation and dissolution, Speaker election, roles, and proceedings.

• Chapter 6 - Finance

This chapter contains six articles; article 69 to 74. It addresses financial issues and the budget.

• Chapter 7 - General Provisions

This chapter contains six articles; article 75 to 79. Article 75 pertains to the special position of the Malays and the Yang di-Pertuan Besar's role of safeguarding it. Article 76 provides that there shall be impartial treatment towards any state employees regardless of their races. Article 77 describes the appearance of the Public Seal of the State of Negeri Sembilan and its functions. Article 78 and 78A pertains to the mechanisms and procedures related to amending the Constitution and reprinting procedure of the Constitution and its authoritative text. Article 79 - The Royal Prerogatives, provides that the Constitution shall not affect the prerogatives, powers and jurisdiction of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the rulling chiefs.

• Chapter 8 - Transitional Provisions

This chapter contains one article; article 80. It addresses the membership of the temporary State Executive Council after the dissolution of Legislative Assembly.

• Chapter 9 - Revocation

This chapter contains one article; article 81. It addresses the revocation of the First part of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan previously in force since 1948.

Forms of Oaths and Affirmations

1. Part 1: Oath of Member of State Executive Council
2. Part 2: Oath of Member of State Legislative Assembly
3. Part 3: Oath of Officials taking part in the proceedings of the State Executive Council
4. Part 4: Oath of a Political Secretary