Datuk Muhammad Abdullah undergoes official rites to be 15th Undang Luak Johol
OVER the past two weeks, Malaysians were able to witness Negri Sembilan’s unique monarchy structure in action, which involves four “undang” (chieftains), also known as “Undang Yang Empat”.
The four undang are “Undang Luak” for Sungai Ujong, “Undang Luak Jelebu”, “Undang Luak Rembau” and “Undang Luak Johol”.
Each has absolute power and authority in their respective areas that 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.
Datuk Muhammad Abdullah became the 15th Undang Luak Johol, succeeding Datuk Mohd Jan Abdul Ghani, on March 23.
Serene Kampung Tanggai here was abuzz with locals, out-of-towners and officials who were invited to witness the “Kerjan”, or coronation, of Abdullah, which was steeped in culture and tradition.
According to a Negri Sembilan custom known as “Adat Perpatih”, the regal ceremony of Kerjan comprise two main rites that a newly-crowned chieftain has to undergo — “Mandi Berlangir” and “Menaikkan Daulat”.
Mandi Berlangir was held early in the morning at Perigi Godang in Kampung Bukit Istana, Air Mawang, near here, where Abdullah underwent a symbolic bathing tradition, cleansing himself physically and spiritually to prepare for his role.
For Menaikkan Daulat, Abdullah was accompanied by custom elders to Makam Gobah, the mausoleum of the sixth Undang Luak Johol Datuk Abu Bakar, who reigned from 1820 to 1840, and was famous for his magical powers.
At the mausoleum, the symbolic rite is considered a sacred act to instil the “magical powers” of the late Datuk Abu Bakar’s into the new chieftain.
According to custom elders, the rites are the two most important, reenacted to preserve what has been practiced for almost three centuries, while the following ceremonial activities are social and religious programmes.
The two rites are the pinnacle of the official and cultural acknowledgment of the new Undang’s ascension. Abdullah then went on a one-kilometre horse-ride within Kampung Tanggai to visit locals.
The afternoon event of the first day of the Kerjan saw local dignitaries, executive councillors and local heads of departments pledging allegiance to the new Undang at the latter’s official residence.
Running for five days and nights, the Kerjan, which ended last Monday, saw several events lined up, not only to celebrate the occasion, but also as an opportunity for Abdullah to get up close and personal with those residing in his Undang.
Ten buffaloes were slaughtered for the feast. As the Undang Luak Johol, Abdullah said he would focus on the region’s development, go down to the grassroots to address problems and get direct input from administrators.
Abdullah, 51, was selected to succeed Abdul by the state’s Dewan Keadilan dan Undang on Oct 7, last year, and was officially appointed to the post on Dec 15.
