Negeri Sembilan's four rebel chieftains have interpreted a call by the Conference of Rulers for a dignified solution to the state's royal crisis as a sign that they have triumphed over embattled ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

In a statement last night, they interpreted the Malay rulers' call for the matter to be resolved in accordance with Negeri Sembilan's constitution and through authoritative and legitimate channels as siding with them.

"In the state administration, the authoritative figure is the menteri besar and state exco chaired by him.

"As such, we as the Undang Yang Empat declare that the state secretary and legal adviser must obey the instructions of the menteri besar," they said.