KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir today said customs cannot be defended by breaking the very rules of custom, in a pointed address directed at those who have disputed the rules of succession in recent months.

Speaking at Istana Besar Seri Menanti this afternoon to mark the investiture of the 17th Undang of Luak Jelebu, Tuanku Muhriz said Negeri Sembilan’s constitutional monarchy, adat and legal provisions must be upheld together.

“The system of constitutional monarchy in Malaysia... places the Ruler as Head of State. However, His powers are subject to the Constitution and the law, and he serves as an umbrella of unity and a guarantor of the stability of governance,” he said.

“The dignity of the institution of the Ruler must be preserved on the basis of integrity, justice and responsibility.”

In Negeri Sembilan, he said, Adat Perpatih and legal provisions form the basis of the position and succession of the throne. The customary institutions comprising the Undang Yang Empat, Lembaga, Ibu Soko, Buapak and anak buah are an inherited legacy that is vital in safeguarding custom and ensuring the state’s stability.

Disputes must follow custom and law

The Yamtuan further said the customary system must continue to be strengthened to remain relevant with the times, without neglecting its founding principles and rules. Any dispute over the position or succession of the throne, he stressed, must be settled according to the relevant custom and law, not according to personal interests or wishes.

Without naming any party, Tuanku Muhriz said those who in recent months had taken action that gave rise to disputes over the order of succession, on the grounds of defending custom, must understand that custom cannot be defended by violating its own rules.

Such actions, he warned, could damage the standing of the customary and royal institutions, endanger the state’s stability and erode public trust.

The Ruler said the dignity of the monarchy depends on respect for custom, the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law. The Ruler’s exalted position, he said, comes with great trust and responsibility, and the people’s confidence is key to ensuring the institution continues to be respected and preserved.

Quoting the Malay proverb “Raja adil raja disembah, raja zalim raja disanggah” (a just ruler is revered; an unjust ruler is opposed), he said justice and integrity must always be the foundation of leadership.

Let history be a guide

Tuanku Muhriz urged Negeri Sembilan citizens to take history as a guide and lesson, and not to let self-interest override truth and justice to the point where security, well-being and a heritage safeguarded across generations are sacrificed.

Custom, he said, is not merely a heritage to be proud of but a trust that must be preserved and defended responsibly.

The future and stability of Negeri Sembilan depend on everyone’s willingness to respect custom, obey the law and place the state’s interests above personal interests for the sake of future generations, he added.