Undang
The Undang Yang Empat are the ruling chiefs or territorial chiefs who still play an important role in the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, namely in the election of a new Yang di-Pertuan Besar. The name is believed to be derived from the Malay word undang-undang meaning "law".
The
Malaysia's modern day constitution confirms the status of the Undang under Article 71, 160, 181 and Eight Schedule of Federal Constitution as
History
According to Birch, the Undang Yang Empat trace their history and rank back to the four Batins (Sakai Chiefs) of Johol, Sungei Ujong, Jelebu and Klang, with Rembau later taking the position left vacant by Klang.[1]
Inheritance and titles
The ruling chiefs are selected among the nobility in each luak (district), following
- The Undang of Sungai Ujong is chosen among the Waris Hulu and Waris Hilir families from the noble House of Klana and inherits the title Dato' Klana Petra.[citation needed]
- The Undang of Jelebu is elected among the three noble houses, Waris Ulu Jelebu, Waris Sarin and Waris Kemin.[2]
- Undangs of Johol are a succession of members of two families in the female line which are Perut Gemencheh and Perut Johol. The son of the eldest sister of the incumbent is usually the heir.[citation needed]
- The Undang of Rembau alternates between the two major noble houses in the Luak, namely the Waris Jakun (who inherit the title Dato' Lela Maharaja) and the Waris Jawa (Dato' Sedia di-Raja). As with the Undang of Johol, the son of the eldest sister of the incumbent is the heir in the family.[citation needed]
- The Undang of
Luak (District) | Title | Undang (Ruler)[3] | Reign start |
---|---|---|---|
Sungai Ujong | Dato' Klana Petra | Dato' Mubarak Dohak | 1993 |
Jelebu | Dato' Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman | Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad | 2019 |
Johol | Dato' Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Sitiawan | Dato' Muhammed Abdullah | 2016 |
Rembau | Dato' Lela Maharaja | Dato' Muhammad Sharif Othman
|
1999 |
Dato' Sedia di-Raja | — | — |
The senior wife of an Undang has the honorific title of "To' Puan".
Duties
The Undangs carry out duties such as co-head of state, co-head of Islam as state religion, upholding and safeguarding the special position of Bumiputeras in Negeri Sembilan, attending the state opening of the legislative assembly and electing the
- Muslimmale
- Malay
- a "lawfully begotten descendant of Raja Radin ibni Raja Lenggang".
References
- ISSN 2304-7534.
- doi:10.2307/2792637.
- ^ "Undang Institution". State Government of Negeri Sembilan. Retrieved 2018-08-27.