KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — The dismissals of the former Undang of Sungei Ujong and Undang of Jelebu have been officially gazetted following a decree by Negeri Sembilan Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, formalising their removal amid an ongoing customary and political impasse.
According to state gazettes dated October 23, Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) secretary Raja Norazli Raja Nordin confirmed the removals complied with Article 16(1) of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959, The Star reported.
The first gazette noted that a special session of the DKU was formally apprised of the decision by the Telaga Undang (the customary electoral body) of Luak Sungei Ujong to dismiss former undang Datuk Mubarak Dohak. His removal, conducted in line with customary laws and established procedures, took effect on May 13 last year.
A separate gazette confirmed the dismissal of Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad as Undang of Jelebu, executed by absolute consensus (kebulatan muafakat) among the waris (heirs), anak buah (clan members), buapak (lineage heads), and Ibu Soko (matriarchs) of the ruling lineage, effective May 31, 2023.
The dismissal of former Sungei Ujong Dato' Shahbandar Datuk Seri Badarudin Abdul Khalid, similarly decided by consensus among the clan heirs and Ibu Soko of Waris di-Ayer, was gazetted with effect from July 30 this year.
The notifications instructed all citizens and civil servants across the state to take notice of the changes.
Concurrent state gazettes dated October 23 also formalised the appointments of new luak chieftains. Datuk Muhammad Faris Johari was proclaimed Undang of Sungei Ujong after being elected by the luak's customary heirs, with the DKU confirming his post on July 31. On the same date, Datuk Hassan Ab Hamid was gazetted as the new Undang of Rembau following his election by the luak's customary heirs.
The gazetted dismissals stem from an unprecedented standoff on April 19, when Mubarak, Maarof, former Rembau undang Abdul Rahim Yasin, and Johol undang Datuk Muhammed Abdullah purported to declare Tuanku Muhriz removed as state Ruler over alleged misconduct.
Their move was supported by Tunku Besar of Tampin Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus Al-Qadri.
While the administration of then menteri besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun refused to recognise the proclamation, his successor Datuk Ismail Lasim signed a document on August 3 endorsing the four chieftains' declaration.
Despite initially claiming he had signed under duress, Ismail announced on September 15 that the state executive council had unanimously endorsed the document, which also recognised Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Jaafar as the new Ruler.
The confrontation escalated on September 20 when Tuanku Muhriz sacked all 10 state exco members for breaching their oaths of loyalty and allegiance. The ousted councillors are currently challenging their dismissal in court.
