‘Don’t challenge Mubarak’s appointment’

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Mubarak Dohak is the rightful Undang Luak (territorial chieftain) of Sungai Ujong.

Negri Sembilan Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (Council of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Ruling Chiefs) secretary Datuk Jemal Zainal Kasim issued a statement attesting to this yesterday.

He said Mubarak had been appointed Undang on Dec 29, 1993, in accordance with Article 16 (3) of the state constitution and the adat perpatih (customary laws).

He said that under the same provision, the Dewan’s advice on matters pertaining to Malay customs, including on the appointment, succession, withdrawal or vacancy of any of the four Undang posts and of Tunku Besar Tampin as stated under Article 14, was final and could not be questioned by any court for whatever reason.

His statement came in the wake of a senior member of the Sungai Ujong clan questioning Mubarak’s position as Undang Luak on Dec 31.

At a press conference yesterday, Datuk Sri Maharaja di-Raja Luak Sungai Ujong Zulkepley Dahalan reiterated his statement, adding that Mubarak’s appointment was not done in accordance with the procedures of the clan as stated in Article 14 (1) of the state constitution.

“We held four meetings with all the waris luak (clansmen) of Sungai Ujong, the last on Dec 8 last year, to declare his dismissal for committing 26 offences, and to ask the state government officially to act on Mubarak’s illegal status.

“But nothing has been done to rectify the matter,” he added.

On whether there would be repercussions to Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir ’s appointment as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Zulkepley declined to comment, saying that he would leave it to the government to decide on the matter.

“The appointment rested with the four Undangs of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol and Rembau. But if Mubarak’s appointment had contravened the state constitution, this means he had no locus standi to act as Undang or to decide on who will be the next state Ruler,” he added.