YANG di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir stressed that adat cannot be defended by violating its own rules, saying disputes over traditional leadership and succession must be settled according to custom and the law, not personal interests.
The ruler said preserving customary institutions required respect for the rules governing them.
He also called for harmony within the institution to be maintained and urged all parties to support its leadership so matters could be handled in an orderly and responsible manner.
Tuanku Muhriz was speaking at the ceremony to formalise Datuk Azrin Khairi as the 17th Undang Luak Jelebu, with the title Dato’ Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman, at Istana Besar Seri Menanti, today.
The ceremony was attended by Tunku Ampuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz and Tunku Panglima Besar Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin Tuanku Muhriz.
Negeri Sembilan state secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim was also present, while Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim was absent.
The proceedings began with the Orang Empat Istana presenting themselves before Tuanku Muhriz to seek his consent to begin the ceremony.
Azrin then paid his respects to the ruler and pledged his allegiance.
In his pledge, Azrin undertook to uphold Adat Perpatih and discharge his duties as Undang Luak Jelebu responsibly, in keeping with the customs and traditions of the institution.
He also pledged to preserve harmony in Luak Jelebu and work towards the well-being of Negeri Sembilan.
Tuanku Muhriz subsequently delivered his address, followed by a prayer recited by the Negeri Sembilan deputy mufti.
The ceremony ended with the state anthem.
Earlier, Azrin and his wife, Datin Norazizan Mamat, arrived at Istana Besar Seri Menanti in a procession accompanied by about 100 members of their entourage, who carried the customary items required for the ceremony.
Azrin succeeds Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, whose removal as Undang Luak Jelebu was announced as having taken effect on May 31, 2023, under the customs and traditions of Luak Jelebu.
Azrin holds a Master of Business Administration and is the eldest of five siblings. He belongs to the Suku Biduanda Waris Berundang.
He was conferred the Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP), which carries the title of Dato’, by the Sultan of Pahang on March 28, 2012. – October 14, 2026