SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar’s press secretary, Ahmad Shahir Mohd Shah, issued an apology to the Undang Yang Empat over his recent use of a title associated with the Undang institution.
Ahmad Shahir said that as a Negri Sembilan native who holds the state’s customs, culture and Undang institution in high regard, he viewed the use of the title “Dato’ Undang” seriously, as it involved the sensitivities of the Adat Perpatih institution, which should be respected by all parties regardless of political affiliation.
“I would like to begin by apologising to the Undang Yang Empat for my remarks made in jest with DAP secretary-general and Seremban MP Anthony Loke, in which I referred to a title used for him on social media, namely ‘Tok Undang’.
“Following this lapse in judgment, I acknowledge my mistake and hope the matter will help clear up any misunderstanding that has arisen,” he said in a statement yesterday, as reported by Bernama.
He said Pakatan Harapan remained committed to respecting and upholding the dignity of the Undang institution as a valuable heritage that forms part of Negri Sembilan’s identity and pride.
The issue reportedly arose when Ahmad Shahir served as the master of ceremonies during the launch of Pakatan’s state election machinery in Seremban on Friday.
He was said to have jokingly referred to Loke as “Tok Undang” and the state’s “fifth Undang” while inviting him on stage during the event.
The incident resulted in a backlash from netizens, who viewed the remarks as disrespectful to local traditions.
There are four Undang, or influential chieftains, in Negri Sembilan: the Undangs of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol and Rembau.
