Malaysia

Negeri Sembilan state assembly opening proceeds amid almost silent traditional leadership tensions

The official opening of the 15th Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly (DUN) was conducted smoothly under the Yang di-Pertuan Besar’s attendance

Updated 5 months ago · Published on 23 Apr 2026 10:54AM

Negeri Sembilan state assembly opening proceeds amid almost silent traditional leadership tensions
Absence of key traditional chieftains and lingering questions over customary authority adds only a subtle political undercurrent to the proceedings (File Pic) - April 23, 2026

THE ceremonial opening of the 15th Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly (DUN) proceeded without incident on Thursday morning in Seremban, presided over by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

Tuanku Muhriz arrived at the state assembly complex at approximately 9.35am, accompanied by the Tunku Ampuan Besar, Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud.

Upon arrival, the ruler inspected a guard of honour comprising three officers and 103 personnel from the 14th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment based at Kem Syed Sirajuddin, Gemas.

However, in a notable deviation from tradition, the presence of the Undang Yang Empat and the Tunku Besar Tampin was not recorded at the ceremony.

Traditionally, the Undang Yang Empat — Datuk Mubarak Dohak (Sungei Ujong), Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad (Jelebu), Datuk Muhammad Abdullah (Johol), Datuk Abdul Rahim Yasin (Rembau), along with Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus Al Qadri (Tunku Besar Tampin) — are among the customary leaders expected to attend such royal-state functions.

Following the inspection of the guard of honour, Tuanku Muhriz proceeded into the assembly chamber for the royal address, marking the formal commencement of the sitting.

The four-day sitting of the Negeri Sembilan DUN is scheduled to run from today before resuming on 27 April.

The state assembly comprises 36 elected representatives and is led by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

Earlier, a group of individuals expressing support for Tuanku Muhriz gathered outside Istana Hinggap and submitted a memorandum of support addressed to the ruler and the Menteri Besar.

The assembly opening comes amid renewed attention on Negeri Sembilan’s unique Perpatih matrilineal customary system (adat perpatih)-based traditional structure, following reports of tensions involving the Undang and questions over customary authority, including claims linked to attempts to remove Tuanku Muhriz and disputes surrounding the status the Undang of Sungei Ujong. - April 23, 2026

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