CORONATION TODAY OF UNDANG LUAK JOHOL
Various events to mark Muhammad Abdullah’s official installation
MALAYSIANS will get to see Negri Sembilan’s unique monarchy structure in action today that involves four undang (chieftains),
Referred as the Undang Yang Empat, the four undang are Undang Luak Sungai Ujong, Undang Luak Jelebu, Undang Luak Rembau and Undang Luak Johol as well as the Tunku Besar Tampin.
Each has absolute power and authority in their respective areas, which fall under their purview.
The Undang Yang Empat are responsible for appointing the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, who is currently Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
Today, Datuk Muhammad Abdullah will officially become the 15th Undang Luak Johol succeeding Datuk Mohd Jan Abdul Ghani, who was sacked on March 27 last year over 13 custom-related misconducts.
They included allegedly awarding datukships to several individuals at his official residence in August 2015, which is not recognised under Article 26, Chapter 7 of Undang Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negri Sembilan 1959.
Muhammad was proclaimed by the state’s Dewan Keadilan dan Undang Negri Sembilan on Oct 7, and was appointed to the post on Dec 15.
“With my attendance as undang of Johol and receipt of award at the presentation by the Yang diPertuan Besar during his birthday celebration in January, that was endorsement on my appointment,” Muhammad said recently.
At the event, he said the customary coronation known as Kerjan would have several events lined up, not only to celebrate the occasion with locals, but also to get closer to the public who were residing in the undang and also to get their direct feedback.
“There will be a reception and 10 buffaloes will be slaughtered. I will introduce my tagline ‘Undang Mendekati Rakyat’.”
He said as organiser for the Kerjan, Balai Undang Johol would formally introduce Muhammad as the 15th Undang Luak followed by programmes steeped in tradition.
“The programmes include a banquet with the people in addition to ceremonies related to my coronation as the new undang with accompanying events and activities to run for five consecutive days and nights.
As the undang of Johol, Muhammad said he would focus on the region’s development, go down to the grassroots to address problems and get direct input from administrators.
“A foundation will be established to collect funds to initiate programmes and activities related to the economic welfare of single mothers, orphans and the disabled, as well as to provide educational assistance to students. All religion and customrelated activities will be planned to help safeguard Johol customs.
“We will also look into several abandoned customary land and figure out how we can stimulate economic activities to help generate income for present and future owners.
“The key to resolving such issue is consensus.”
On customary land, Muhammad said it could not be sold but would be inherited by rightful female heirs. This is not against the Syariah as such a custom was to safeguard their welfare.