Tuanku Aishah Rohani (centre), who is also the Chancellor of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), posing with recipients of the Royal Education Award and special awards following the 23rd USIM Convocation Ceremony at Dewan Tuanku Canselor in November last year. Also present was USIM Pro-Chancellor Tunku Zain (fourth from left). — Bernama
A STEADFAST advocate for strong moral foundations, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir firmly believes that the home is the starting point for shaping values, nurturing faith and modelling good behaviour.
At the state-level Maal Hijrah celebrations in June, the state Ruler highlighted the important part parents play as role models in a child’s formative years.
“In essence, Hijrah begins within each individual. A renewal of attitude grounded in noble and virtuous values is the foundation to building a more dignified society and prosperous nation,” the Ruler said.
“This emphasis must also begin at home through religious upbringing, love and the exemplary conduct of parents,” the Ruler said.
Those principles are not merely words, but values shaped by his own upbringing and family heritage, which he has passed down to his offspring.
Tuanku Aishah Rohani at USIM’s 23rd Convocation Ceremony at Dewan Tuanku Canselor in November last year. — Bernama
Born on Jan 14, 1948 in the royal town of Seri Menanti, Tuanku Muhriz is the only son of Tuanku Munawir Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the ninth Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, and his consort Tuanku Durah Tunku Besar Burhanuddin.
The 11th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan is also the grandson of Tuanku Abdul Rahman Tuanku Muhammad, Malaysia’s first Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Tuanku Muhriz attended Tuanku Muhammad School in Kuala Pilah, Tunku Besar School in Tampin and King George V Secondary School in Seremban.
At age 12, the young prince was appointed Tunku Laxamana, the second-ranking prince among the four senior Putera Yang Empat.
A year later, he was appointed Tunku Besar Seri Menanti, the highest rank among the four princes, a title he held until ascending the throne as Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan on Oct 26, 2009.
As a teenager, Tuanku Muhriz pursued further studies in England at the prestigious Aldenham School, completing his O- and A-Levels.
There, he developed a love for music, playing the guitar and performing with a band called The Prince and the Paupers.
He later earned an LLB (Hons) in law from the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth (now Aberystwyth University) excelling in his studies and sports, and laying the foundation for his lifelong commitment to justice, leadership and service.
Tunku Zain with author Mahani Zubedy at the book launch of 365 Quran – 2-Minute Daily Reflections in Petaling Jaya, last December. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
In recognition of his contribution to public service and charitable work, Aberystwyth University conferred upon him an Honorary Fellowship in 2014.
On April 25, 1974, Tuanku Muhriz married Tunku Ampuan Besar Negri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud.
The royal couple was blessed with three princes: Tunku Ali Redhauddin – currently Tunku Besar Seri Menanti, Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin and the late Tunku Alif Hussein Saifuddin Al-Amin.
The royals embody service before self. They continue to champion causes for the underprivileged and at-risk communities, supporting education, people with disabilities and youth development through various charitable initiatives, including Yayasan Munarah – a foundation established by the family after Tuanku Muhriz ascended the throne.
As Chancellor of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Tuanku Aishah has helped transform the tertiary institution into a preferred choice for further studies, particularly among foreign students.
Tunku Ali, a graduate of Cambridge University and the Harvard Kennedy School, is a Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), founding trustee of non-profit Teach for Malaysia, president of wildlife NGO WWF-Malaysia and chairman of Yayasan Munarah.
Tuanku Muhriz signing the commemorative plaque at the launch of Hospital Picaso in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, last November. Witnessing the signing are (standing, from left) Hospital Picaso chairman Tunku Ali, medical director Datuk Dr Luqman Mazlan and clinical practice chairman Datuk Dr Loh Chit Sin. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Tunku Ali is also senior advisor to global equity firm TPG Capital and serves on the boards of several companies.
As chairman of Yayasan Munarah’s board of trustees, Tunku Ali ensures that less privileged and deserving members of the community, particularly students, receive financial assistance regardless of race or religion.
The prince is also a Brigadier General and Regiment Commander in the Territorial Army of Malaysia.
His younger brother, Tunku Zain, an alumnus of the London School of Economics and Political Science, is a talented pianist and the royal patron of Euroasia Association of Performing Arts, which is dedicated to the education, development and promotion of the performing arts in Malaysia.
Tunku Zain is founding president and chairman of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) and Ideas Autism Centre. The latter supports initiatives for children with autism, particularly those from low-income families, focusing on early intervention, care and therapy.
He is a Royal Fellow of UKM, and trustee of Yayasan Munarah, Yayasan Chow Kit and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation.
Yayasan Munarah chairman Tunku Ali (centre) posing with guests and children after a presentation ceremony at a resort in Seri Menanti, where he distributed back-to-school supplies to underprivileged students early last year under the Yayasan Munarah X SWM Kasih Back to School initiative.
Appointed Chancellor of UCSI University in May 2025, following his earlier tenure as the university’s inaugural Pro-Chancellor, the prince is a steady guiding hand in shaping UCSI’s development and long-term aspirations.
At his installation ceremony, he offered words of wisdom to students, sharing reflections from his visits to campus.
“It’s always so good to come to campus to see what the students are doing in all different disciplines, whether it’s music or architecture or engineering or all the other sciences.
“Great to see also that the academics are working so hard to produce excellent graduates who are able to contribute to society, the economy and the communities here.”
Reiterating his commitment to the university’s mission, the prince underscored the importance of resilience and preparedness in an increasingly complex world, offering reassurance to students.
Tuanku Muhriz (seated) taking a closer look at the robotic surgical system at the launch of Hospital Picaso last November. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
“Your future is bright, there’s a bit of uncertainty in the world. But hopefully with the skills and discipline you’ve acquired here at UCSI University, you’ll be well equipped to face these challenges and you’ll be prepared to deal with any unexpected things that may happen as you pursue either your careers or the next stage of your life.”
Besides scholarly and musical pursuits, the prince also enjoys tennis and squash, and promotes sports development as president of the Negri Sembilan Squash Association.
Throughout his reign, and with his equally dedicated family by his side, Tuanku Muhriz has remained devoted to education, healthcare and the well-being of the rakyat.
His progressive leadership, combined with a strong respect for tradition, culture and human values, has earned him the admiration of his subjects.
Daulat Tuanku!
