SEREMBAN

THE installation ceremony for His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the 11th ruler of Negri Sembilan took place yesterday at the Balairong Seri (throneroom) of Istana Besar Seri Menanti.

Once invited guests had filled the Balairong Seri, the Undang Yang Empat (Four Ruling Chiefs) escorted His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz inspected the guard of honour.

His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz and Her Royal Highness Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aisah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud were led in a procession to the throneroom by the Undang Yang Empat and Putera Yang Empat (Four Princes).

Upon the arrival of Their Royal Highnesses, the Dato' Bentara Kanan and Dato' Seri Amar DiRaja initiated the proceedings and announced that the ceremony had begun. This was then followed by the Undang os Sungai Ujong who proclaimed the installation on behalf of the Undang Yang Empat. The Dato' Bentara Kanan then announced to all those present that the proclamation had been made and led the audience in declaring "Daulat Tuanku" three times. The national anthem was then played followed by a 32-gun salute.

The Undang Yang Empat began the paying of homage by slowly making their way from the bottom step of the throne to His Royal Highness.

There, they kissed his hand before slowly retreating in a similar fashion.. The installation was witnessed by members of the royal families, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah representing His Majesty Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Governors of Penang, Malacca, Sabah and Sarawak as well as the Prime Minister.

As a ruler does not attend the installation of a brother ruler, the different states were represented by their Raja Muda or Tengku Mahkota.

In a titah delivered before the ceremony concluded, His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz said that the installation ceremony was evidence of the practice of 'Adat Perpatih' which is unique to Negri Sembilan alone.

The customs and traditions under 'Adat Perpatih' has roots in Pagar Ruyong of Sumatera, Indonesia.

A 700-year-old socio-political system, 'Adat Perpatih' sees a ruler governing with the full support of his people.

Contrary to the normal scenario where a ruler invades and gains control of a particular area, the coming of Raja Melewar 250 years ago invited the unity of the different districts in Negri Sembilan.

His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz and Her Royal Highness Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aisah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud were led in a procession to the throneroom by the Undang Yang Empat and Putera Yang Empat (Four Princes).

Upon the arrival of Their Royal Highnesses, the Dato' Bentara Kanan and Dato' Seri Amar DiRaja initiated the proceedings and announced that the ceremony had begun. This was then followed by the Undang Sungai Ujong who proclaimed the installation on behalf of the Undang Yang Empat.

The Dato' Bentara Kanan then announced to all those present that the proclamation had been made and led the audience in declaring "Daulat Tuanku" three times.

The national anthem was then played followed by a 32-gun salute.

The Brunei Times, Bernama