Undang of Johol removed as chieftain

SEREMBAN: The Undang of Johol Datuk Mohammad Jan Abdul Ghani has been removed as chieftain of the region for committing offences that tarnished the institution’s image.

Mohammad Jan, 76, was sacked by the Dewan Keadilan and Undang Negri Sembilan (DKU) after the region’s council of elders made the recommendation, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

“The state government has taken note of the latest development after being notified by the DKU.

“It is now up to the Council of Elders and Adat (customs) chiefs in Johol to select a new Undang,” he said.

He added that the choice of the new Undang would have to be verified by the DKU, which is chaired by Ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir and its members, which included the four chieftains.

There are four Undang in Negri Sembilan, whose roles among others are entrusted with the selection of the next state Ruler or Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

The three other chieftains are Undang Sungai Ujong, Undang Jelebu and Undang Rembau.

It is learnt that the council will appoint Mohammad Jan’s former deputy Datuk Muhammad Abdullah as the next Undang of Johol at a ceremony today.

Asked if the new appointment was legitimate, Mohamad said it was not for his administration to decide.

“We do not get involved in matters concerning the appointment of Undang or customs. Once they have elected their new leader, they will notify the DKU which will verify this. The DKU will then duly inform us of the appointment,” he added.

Mohammad Jan was appointed the 14th Undang of Johol in 2007 following the death of his predecessor Datuk Abdul Ali.

In March, Johol’s council of elders head Datuk Jenang Zakaria Mohammad gave 13 reasons why the body had recommended Mohammad Jan’s sacking.

Among them was his action of allegedly felling timber in the 200ha Gunung Tampin forest reserve for personal gain, which is a clear violation of provisions under the National Forestry Act 1984.

Mohammad Jan was also accused of having tarnished the Undang of Johol institution by giving out titles and awards including datukships on his 75th birthday last year.

Jenang said although the state secretary had advised him against doing so, he went ahead and gave out the awards.

It was reported that Mohammad Jan had reportedly refused to abide by the council’s decision.