Seri Menanti:Negeri Sembilan Disputes over royal succession in Negeri Sembilan must be resolved in accordance with adat, or customary law, and legal provisions, rather than personal interests, Yang Dipertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir said today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, His Royal Highness stressed that the authority of the royal institution must be upheld through integrity, justice, and responsibility, warning that actions contrary to established customs could undermine public confidence and threaten the state's stability.

Tuanku Muhriz highlighted that Adat Perpatih and the law form the foundation of the position of the Ruler and succession to the throne in Negeri Sembilan. He noted that adat institutions, including the Undang Yang Empat, Lembaga, Ibu Soko, Buapak, and Anak Buah, represent an important heritage passed down through generations to preserve traditions and maintain stability.

He criticized those who, in recent months, have taken actions that sparked disputes over succession rules in the name of defending adat, stating that adat cannot be defended by violating its own rules. Such actions not only risk undermining the authority of customary institutions and the palace but could also destabilize the state and erode public trust, he said during his royal address at the installation ceremony of the 17th Undang of Jelebu at Istana Besar Seri Menanti.

The ceremony was attended by notable figures including 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. State Secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim and heads of state government departments were also present.

Tuanku Muhriz emphasized that the authority of the institution of the Ruler depends on respect for adat, the supremacy of the Constitution, and the rule of law. He remarked that the high and noble position of the Ruler entails great trust and responsibility, with public trust being essential for the continued respect and preservation of the institution. Citing a Malay proverb, he noted that justice and integrity must always be the foundation of leadership.

His Royal Highness urged all parties to learn from history, ensuring that personal interests do not override truth and justice at the expense of the state's security, well-being, and heritage. He stressed that adat is not merely a heritage to take pride in but a trust to be preserved and defended with full responsibility.

In conclusion, Tuanku Muhriz expressed hope for continued peace and prosperity in Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus, with its monarchy, adat heritage, and the unity of its people always preserved.