Negeri Sembilan sees new Undang Luak installed amid adat and constitutional tensions

SEREMBAN, May 10 — The ongoing adat and constitutional dispute in Negeri Sembilan took another turn when a retired civil servant was proclaimed as the new Datuk Klana Petra Undang Luak Sungei Ujong, today.

The proclamation of Abd Rahman Limat, 70, as the 11th Undang Luak Sungei Ujong was held at an adat ceremony at Telapak Tua Kampung Chedang, Rasah here, Harian Metro reported this evening.

According to the Malay newspaper, the father of six said the appointment was agreed upon by the Ibu Soko, Buapak and Tiang Balai Perut Waris Hulu.

The ceremony, which began at about 2.40pm, started with a welcoming speech by the Buapak Perut Waris Hulu, followed by the signing of the appointment instrument.

Abd Rahman is reported to be from the Suku Biduanda Waris Klana, while his position within the lineage is Datuk Juan Waris Perut di Hulu Luak Sungei Ujong.

He was previously said to have submitted his name as a candidate for the Undang Luak Sungei Ujong post on November 13, 2004.

Last week, accountant Muhammad Faris Johari, 29, was reported to have been appointed as the 11th Undang Luak Sungei Ujong, replacing Datuk Mubarak Dohak. 

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said on April 20 that Mubarak had been removed from his post, which meant that the state government does not recognise his declaration deposingTuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

The appointment of Muhammad Faris has since been disputed, with Datuk-Datuk Lembaga Adat Sungei Ujong saying it requires unanimous consent from relevant adat authorities to be valid.