KUALA LUMPUR: A two-hour commotion broke out at the official residence and Balai Undang of the Undang Luak Rembau today after staff supporting Datuk Abdul Rahim Yasin, who claims to be the 22nd Undang Luak Rembau, were prevented from entering the premises.
The incident began at 9.45am and involved supporters of Datuk Hassan Ab Hamid. Both sides eventually agreed to resolve the dispute through the courts.
Lawyer Emirul Sarifudin Nor Azmi, who represents Abdul Rahim, described the attempt to block the staff as unlawful.
"The parties have agreed that any action must comply with the law and the principles of constitutional monarchy. Previous court directions in the eviction case also stipulated that it must be refiled under the director of the Land and Mines Department (PTG).
"The police cannot use force without a valid court order. The PTG director must also obtain approval from the State Executive Council or the Menteri Besar before taking action involving the administration of reserve land," he said when contacted.
Emirul Sarifudin also represents the Undang Yang Empat and the Tunku Besar Tampin in related matters.
The leadership and legitimacy crisis involving the Rembau Luak customary institution has continued since April, with rival claims over who is entitled to hold the position of Undang Luak Rembau.
On June 29, the Rembau District and Land Office issued a letter ordering the immediate eviction of the official residence and Balai Undang. The move followed a Special Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) decision allowing the recognised authority to take over the administrative facilities.
In August, the Negri Sembilan government filed an originating summons at the Seremban High Court seeking Abdul Rahim's eviction from the customary premises.
However, on Aug 24, the court dismissed the application, ruling that the state government lacked locus standi to intervene in eviction proceedings involving the premises. It said disputes over the legitimacy of customary office holders and the premises fell under Adat Perpatih and the state constitution.
In October, several customary chiefs, including Abdul Rahim, filed a judicial review application over the declaration and proclamation involving the state's highest customary institution. The application was later withdrawn.
State administrators and critics argued that the applicants lacked locus standi following the DKU's official recognition of Hassan.
Tensions also arose after more than 10 key Rembau Luak customary leaders said they had not been informed of a June 25 audience at Istana Besar Seri Menanti in Kuala Pilah, where the new Undang Luak Rembau was presented to Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz.
The group continues to support Abdul Rahim as the 22nd Undang Luak Rembau, maintaining that he was appointed and proclaimed in accordance with customary law.
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