KUALA PILAH: The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, on Wednesday (Oct 14) accepted the declaration of the installation of Datuk Azrin Khairi as the 17th Undang of Jelebu in a ceremony at Istana Besar Seri Menanti.
Tunku Ampuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz and Tunku Panglima Besar Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin were in attendance.
Earlier, Azrin and his wife, Datin Norazizan Mamat, were escorted to the palace by a procession of more than 200 members of the Jelebu customary delegation, accompanied by traditional rebana and kompang performances.
The Orang Empat Istana then sought Tuanku Muhriz's consent to begin the ceremony by presenting a ceremonial betel leaf set.
Azrin subsequently paid homage and pledged his loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz before being formally installed as the 17th Undang of Jelebu, bearing the title Datuk Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman.
In his Royal address, Tuanku Muhriz said the declaration symbolised the continuity of customary leadership and the preservation of Jelebu's longstanding traditions and heritage.
"Today, I graciously accept the declaration of the installation of Azrin Hj Khairi as my Orang Kaya, the 17th Undang of Jelebu, bearing the title Dato' Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman.
"This declaration represents the continuity of adat leadership and reflects the endurance of the heritage and tradition that have long been upheld by the community of Luak Jelebu," he said.
His Royal Highness also expressed confidence that the new Undang would shoulder this responsibility with full dedication, wisdom and a humble awareness of the trust he carries.
"The harmony of adat and the wellbeing of the Anak Buah (people) must always be the priority, while every disagreement or problem needs to be dealt with fairly, maturely and prudently.
"In carrying out his duties, my Orang Kaya (the Undang) must be guided by the Laws of the Constitution of Negri Sembilan, and by the rulings and rules of adat in force in Jelebu," he said.
The traditional ceremony was also witnessed by State Secretary Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim and heads of state government departments.
Tuanku Muhriz also stressed the importance of unwavering loyalty to the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan and maintaining strong ties between customary leaders, the ruler and the palace.
"Understanding fostered through mutual respect, trust and the spirit of consensus will be a firm foundation for upholding the noble standing of adat, strengthening the institution of monarchical rule, and ensuring the wellbeing of the state for present and future generations," he said.
His Royal Highness also called upon the entire community of Luak Jelebu, the Luak Berundang and Luak Tanah Mengandung to continue supporting adat leadership in ensuring that adat affairs are carried out in an orderly and proper manner, with a full sense of responsibility.
"I therefore hope that the bonds of fellowship will always be drawn closer, that differences will be resolved through consultation, and that the spirit of togetherness will continue to be strengthened," he said.
Azrin, 51, has 26 years of experience with Telekom Malaysia and currently serves as strategic expansion and business ecosystem development manager for the Consumer Unit in the East Coast region.
He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). - Bernama
