The Four Undangs of Negeri Sembilan

Negeri Sembilan is unique in term of history as it is the only State in Malaysia which practice elected monarchy instead of linear dynasty. The State, known as Negeri Sembilan derived from the word 'Sembilan' which means the number 9. Represents the nine principality inside the State which form a sort of federation system and these 9 small states is ruled by Ruler who resides in Seri Menanti, the Royal Capital. The 4 biggest principalities in Negeri Sembilan elects a leader called Undang, who is also the 'King-maker' of the State. When the Yang Dipertuan Besar (Great Ruler) of Negeri Sembilan died, the 4 Undangs will be call upon to appoint a successor from the Four Princes of Negeri Sembilan.

The Four Undangs is as follows :-

1. The Undang of Luak Sungai Ujong

Sungai Ujong has a very long an ancient history. Previous from 1760, there exist several leaders who govern Sungai Ujong. During the brief period of Johor Empire ruled, the ruler of Sungai Ujong was bestowed a hereditary title of Dato Kelana Petra Sri Jaya. In 1773, Sungai Ujong formed the State of Negeri Sembilan.

In full, the Undang of Luak Sungai Ujong is addressed to as :- 

Yang Teramat Mulia Dato Kelana Petra Sri Jaya of Luak Sungai Ujong.

The position is elected among two noble houses known as Waris Hulu and Waris Hilir. The succession is followed the matrilineal line of the Waris.  

The incumbent for the position is :-

Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Mubarak bin Dohak.

16th Dato Kelana Petra Sri Jaya of Luak Sungai Ujong

2. The Undang of Luak Jelebu

Jelebu is also one of the nine autonomous states which later formed the State of Negeri Sembilan in 1773.

In full, the Undang of Luak Jelebu is addressed to as :-
Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Mendelika Menteri Akhirul Zaman, the Penghulu of Luak Jelebu
The position is elected among four noble houses, known as Waris Jelebu, Waris Ulu Jelebu, Waris Sarin and Waris Kemin.

The incumbent for the position is :-

Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Hj Musa bin Abdul Wahab [Waris Sarin].

15th Dato Mendelika Menteri Akhiruz Zaman, the Penghulu of Luak Jelebu.

3. The Undang of Luak Johol

Johol is one of the component state which formed Negeri Sembilan in 1773. Originally known as Pasir Besar, renamed as Johol in 1723.

In full, the Undang of Luak Johol is addressed to as:-
Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Setiawan of Luak Jelebu.
The position is elected among the male descendants through the female line of the first ruler, Dato Putri Siti Awan. Customarily, the son of the eldest sister of the previous title-holder to succeed. The Heir Apparent is addressed to as Baginda Tan Mas.

The incumbent for the position is:-

Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Hj Mohd Jan bin Abdul Ghani

14th Datuk Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Setiawan of Luak Johol

4. The Undang Luak of Rembau

Rembau is one of the component States that makes the Negeri Sembilan in 1773. The Luak Rembau was founded in 1540 by two Minangkabau Chief, named Datuk Laut Dalam and Datuk Lela Balang. They have made a pact that the State shall be ruled by alternation between their descendant in the female line. In modern day, the northern district of Rembau becomes the Luak Tampin ruled by the Tengku Besar of Tampin while the Southern district still retain the name Rembau.

In full, the Undang of Luak Rembau is addressed to as :-
Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Lela Maharaja (if the incumbent of the Waris Jakun)
Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Setia Diraja (if the incumbent of the Waris Jawa)
Even though subject to election, the position of the Undang of Luak Rembau is alternates between the descendant of Datuk Laut Dalam, later bestowed a hereditary title of Datuk Lela Maharaja by the Sultan of Johor and the descendant of Datuk Lela Balang, later bestowed a hereditary title of Datuk Setia Diraja by the Sultan of Johor. Succession through the female line and usually the son of the eldest sister of the previous title holder will succeed.

The incumbent for the position is :-

Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Hj Muhammad Sharif bin Hj Othman

The Datuk Lela Maharaja, 21st Undang of Luak Rembau