Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim and 10 sacked state excos have withdrawn their earlier challenge to Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir's position as Yang di-Pertuan Besar, potentially paving the way for an end to the state's seven-month constitutional crisis.

The move effectively reverses Ismail's Sept 17 position supporting the installation of Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja'afar as the new state ruler, which the federal government rejected.

It also comes as Ismail (above) urgently needs Tuanku Muhriz's consent to convene the legislative assembly and secure approval for state budget, with the state government operating without a full executive council since September.

However, the withdrawal does not automatically resolve the dispute over the dismissal of the 10 excos, who have separately challenged their removal in court.