Appointment of 22nd Undang of Rembau done without palace interference, says customary council

 

Datuk Sedia Raja Hassan Ab Hamid. -Bernamapic

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Sedia Raja Hassan Ab Hamid’s selection and appointment as the 22nd Undang (ruling chieftain) of Luak Rembau was conducted without any interference from the Istana Besar Seri Menanti, says Datuk Zulkipli Shamsudin.

The Kerapatan Buapak Lapan Kampung Waris Biduanda Dua Carak chairman said the appointment was carried out strictly in accordance with the Adat Perpatih system.

He said under Adat Perpatih, a matrilineal system practised only in Negri Sembilan, the right to select the Undang belongs exclusively to Luak Rembau.

He added that the appointment was to fill the vacant position following the death of the 21st Undang of Rembau, Datuk Lela Maharaja Datuk Muhamad Sharip Othman, who died at the age of 82 on May 15, 2024.

“Under the Adat Perpatih process, the right to choose the new Undang rested with the Waris Biduanda descendents, the sub-clan heads (Buapak), and the female clan elders (Ibu Soko) of Waris Biduanda Nan Dua Carak through a kerapatan (customary assembly).

“Hassan Ab Hamid, a respected retired teacher, was then chosen by the Buapak and Ibu Soko of Waris Biduanda Nan Dua Carak as the 22nd Undang of Luak Rembau following the assembly,” he said in a press statement on Sunday (June 28).

Zulkipli said they then seeked an audience at the palace to request royal consent for the proclamation ceremony, which was granted by Istana Besar Seri Menanti on Saturday (June 27).

He also dismissed the claim by Datuk Abdul Rahim Yasin as the 22nd Undang of Luak Rembau as invalid due to several instances of non-compliance with customary procedures and processes.

“Abdul Rahimhe also did not fulfil the requirement of formalising his appointment through a proclamation ceremony by Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

"As such, his appointment is not recognised under Adat Perpatih," he added.

This comes after His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz formalised the installation of two new Undang, one being Hassan and the other being Muhammad Faris Johari, who was formalised as the 11th Undang of Luak Sungei Ujong and bearing the title Datuk Klana Petra, in separate ceremonies on Saturday. - Star