Dispute Emerges Over Alleged Invalid Appointment of Sungai Ujong Undang
SEREMBAN — A group of traditional leaders in Negeri Sembilan has challenged the legitimacy of the appointment of Muhammad Faris Johari as the 11th Undang of Sungai Ujong, claiming the process violated established adat (customary) laws governing leadership succession.
The objection was raised by members of the Dato’-Dato’ Lembaga Adat of Sungai Ujong, who argued that the appointment lacked the necessary procedural and customary requirements.
Questions Over Authority of Key Individuals
In a joint statement, the group highlighted that Shaharumzaman Abdul Malek, who had publicly announced the appointment, was no longer in a position to do so.
They said he had been removed from his role on March 20, with the dismissal formally acknowledged by the Negeri Sembilan Dewan Keadilan dan Undang office on March 30, 2026.
As such, they contended that he no longer possessed any authority to make decisions relating to adat matters, including the appointment of an Undang.
Further Disputes Over Supporting Endorsements
The statement also raised concerns regarding another individual, Zainol Ariffin Ibrahim, who was cited as having endorsed the appointment.
According to the group, he had been dismissed earlier, on November 28, 2024, with official confirmation issued in December that year.
They stressed that his removal effectively nullified any involvement he may have had in endorsing adat-related decisions.
Legitimacy of the Adat Council Questioned
Beyond individuals, the Dato’-Dato’ Lembaga Adat also disputed the legitimacy of the council that issued the statement supporting the appointment.
They claimed that the council was established without proper recognition and did not have any formal link to the Balai Undang of Sungai Ujong.
Referring to official correspondence dated April 22, 2025, they asserted that the formation of the council had not received approval from the Negeri Sembilan Dewan Keadilan dan Undang.
Clarification on Recognised Adat Leadership
In contrast, the group reaffirmed that Sazali Mohamed Yasin remains the legitimate holder of the Dato’ Andulika Mandulika title in Sungai Ujong, having been appointed on April 1, 2025.
They noted that the appointment was formally validated by the state’s Dewan Keadilan dan Undang through an official letter dated April 11, 2025.
Requirement for Consensus in Undang Appointment
The group emphasised that the appointment of an Undang must adhere strictly to adat procedures, including obtaining unanimous consent from the matrilineal clans of Klana Hulu and Klana Hilir.
Additionally, the endorsement of all Dato’-Dato’ Lembaga Adat and formal proclamation by the Dato’ Shahbandar are required for the appointment to be considered valid.
They stated that these conditions were not met in the case of Muhammad Faris Johari.
Concerns Over Venue and Source of Announcement
The statement also referenced the location known as Telaga Undang, which they said is associated with a former adat leader who had been dismissed.
They claimed that the site had been closed since the removal of its previous occupant, rendering any declarations originating from it invalid.
Affirmation of Current Undang
The Dato’-Dato’ Lembaga Adat concluded by reaffirming their allegiance to Klana Petra Mubarak Dhohak, whom they recognise as the legitimate Undang of Sungai Ujong.
They stressed the importance of preserving adat integrity and ensuring that leadership appointments comply fully with established traditions.
-wilayah.com.my
