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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Undang Yang Empat (Negeri Sembilan Malay: Undang Nan Ompek; Jawi: أوندڠ يڠ امڤت) are the ruling chiefs or territorial chiefs who play an important role in the election of a new Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The name is believed to be derived from the Malay word undang-undang meaning "law".
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The Minangkabau who settled at Negeri Sembilan, in present-day Malaysia at the end of the 17th century ruled by a "penghulu" or headman who was chosen from the noble families of Sakai and Jakun belonging to the Biduanda clan. These "penghulus", notably that of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol and Rembau became powerful enough to exalt themselves above the other "penghulus". These penghulus later acknowledged by the sultan of the old Johor Empire as a sovereign in their own territory. By the early part of the 18th century, the leaders of these four territories started using the title "Undang" to distinguish themselves from other penghulu luak.
Malaysia's modern day constitution confirms the status of the Undang under Article 71, 160, 181 and the Eight Schedule of Federal Constitution as Malay Ruler within the Federation. Undangs are still chosen from amongst certain noble families in the state, the succession being both matrilineal and elective following the Adat Purbakala.
According to Ernest Woodford Birch, the Undang Yang Empat trace their history and rank back to the four Batins (Sakai Chiefs) of Johol, Sungei Ujong, Jelebu and Klang, with Rembau later taking the position left vacant by Klang.[1]
The ruling chiefs are selected among the nobility in each luak (district), following matrilineal inheritance, part of the state's adat perpatih customs.
| Luak (District) | Title | Undang (Ruler)[4] | Reign start | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sungai Ujong | Dato' Klana Petra | Dato' Mubarak Dohak | Since 1993 | |
| Jelebu | Dato' Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman | Dato' Maarof Mat Rashad | Since 2019 | |
| Johol | Dato' Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Sitiawan | Dato' Muhammad Abdullah | Since 2016 | |
| Rembau | Dato' Sedia Raja | Dato' Abd Rahim Yassin | Since 2024 | [5] |
The senior wife of an Undang has the honorific title of "To' Puan" or "Toh Puan".
The Undangs carry out duties such as co-head of state, co-head of Islam as state religion, upholding and safeguarding the special position of Bumiputera in Negeri Sembilan, attending the state opening of the legislative assembly and electing the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, who is also the co-head of state of Negeri Sembilan. The Undangs themselves cannot stand for election and their choice of ruler is limited among the princes of Seri Menanti royal family who are:
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