Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin Tuanku Muhriz has been proclaimed the new Tunku Panglima Besar of Negeri Sembilan, replacing Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar with immediate effect.
The proclamation was made by Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, during an official ceremony held at Istana Besar Seri Menanti.
Traditional ceremony follows royal customs
The ceremony was conducted in accordance with Negeri Sembilan’s royal traditions and began with the arrival of Tuanku Muhriz and the Tunku Ampuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud, at the Balairong Seri.
They were accompanied by Tunku Besar Seri Menanti, Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz.
The Negeri Sembilan anthem was played before the Orang Empat Istana sought royal consent to begin the proceedings. Tunku Zain was then invited to present himself to receive his letter of appointment as Tunku Panglima Besar.
Among those in attendance were Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun and his wife, members of the state executive council, adat leaders and community representatives.
Confidence in Tunku Zain’s future role
Azizi Ali, keeper of the Negeri Sembilan ruler’s seal, said in a statement that Tuanku Muhriz expressed confidence that Tunku Zain, 44, would continue to play an important role in upholding the sovereignty of the Negeri Sembilan royal institution and safeguarding the interests of the people and the state.
Vacancy followed disputed proclamation
On June 9, Azizi said a proclamation declaring Tunku Nadzaruddin as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan had resulted in the hereditary title of Tunku Panglima Besar becoming vacant.
He added that the proclamation was invalid and not recognised under the state constitution, laws and customs of Negeri Sembilan.
According to Azizi, by attempting to accept the title, Tunku Nadzaruddin had, through his own actions, relinquished the hereditary position of Tunku Panglima Besar of Negeri Sembilan, which he had previously held.
