Joyous celebrations for a Ruler

TWO months ago, Negri Sembilan’s royal town of Seri Menanti saw the three-day splendour of the Istiadat Ulangan Penghulu Luak Tanah Mengandung Mengadap Menjunjung Duli, in which the five chiefs of the areas surrounding Seri Menanti renewed their pledges of allegiance to their Ruler (https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/columnists/abidinideas/2023/12/01/).

With the birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir occurring on Jan 14, a different set of events are being held, again celebrating the royal institution but with a much more personal touch, and comprising great diversity in terms of events and those attending them.

Proceedings began with the Majlis Negri Sembilan Berselawat at the Seri Menanti Padang, which saw a local group alternate with one comprising Syrians living in Malaysia leading families from all over the state – joined by students of nearby tahfiz – in singing the songs of praise. The usual Friday prayers the next day included a sermon that touched on the unifying power of the royal institution, before a reading of Yasin and Tahlil that evening.

The next morning saw a throng of runners participating in the Seri Menanti Fun Run, whose 5km route took us through the most picturesque rural settings one could ask for – gorgeous trees, calming streams and, of course, old wooden houses with their sloped roofs paying homage to Minangkabau influence.

Later that afternoon, the presentation of cakes once again highlighted the creativity of Negri Sembilan’s pastry chefs, with baked goods paying tribute to Tuanku’s roles in education, sport and the military. A particular highlight of the afternoon was the unveiling of a restored Austin 7 purchased by my grandfather – driven by my aunt in a race in the 1970s!

That evening saw the Padang once again crammed to the brim as the Konsert Xpresi Dirgahayu saw immensely popular singers – Iera Milpan, Naqiu, Hazama, Datin Alyah and Wany Hasrita – perform on stage. I joined the latter two to sing Berpaut Di Dahan Cinta and Apo Kono Eh Jang (with DJ Shafiq) respectively. Later, I spoke to the traders in attendance – some from as far away as Kedah – who confirmed that business was booming!

Booming of a different order accompanied the morning of the day itself, as ceremonial artillery was fired while the Ruler inspected the guard of honour mounted by the Royal Signals Regiment. This year, the showcase was spectacular, as a special unit of the Royal Malaysia Police dazzled the crowd with fire. Literally – not just fire being launched from the mouth, but also on the drumsticks of the band members as they did rolls on their snare drums.

There was only one Dato’ Seri Utama and one Dato’ Seri created this year – Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain were the recipients.

Five people received the DPNS and 22 received the DBNS, carrying the title of Dato’, covering the fields of medicine, the armed forces, academia, the judiciary, politics and the civil service, business and economic development: a diversity reflected in recipients of other medals as well.

One of the features of the Negri Sembilan palace investiture is the presence of a caklempong group that plays as the royal party enter and depart the throne room. However, there is also a 15-minute intermission during the ceremony that enables the musicians to play more contemporary tunes on the instruments (now chromatically tuned as opposed to their pentatonic antecedents). Once again, the students of SMK Tunku Ampuan Durah excelled in this.

The next day saw activities return to the Padang, with the fishing competition yielding several 8kg catfish, and a cooking competition showcasing traditional dishes. The chess competition attracted people young and old of all races from all over the country – and some foreigners – whereas the Fifa 23 tournament saw the defending champion from a nearby kampung triumph again.

There’s plenty of team sport as well: the sepak takraw is now prestigious enough to attract national players, and a hockey tournament was held for the first time. As I write, there is still a football tournament to complete. Over the next two weeks, cycling will join historical learning as tours of Terachi and Jempol will stop by places of significance.

At each of these events, people come together, learn together, and celebrate their state together. With continued political uncertainty and spotlights on the role of the monarchy, the multi-faceted celebrations of royal birthdays serve to build recognition and trust, so that when waters are choppy, the nation has a way to navigate through.

Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin is the second son of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan.

The views expressed here are the writer’s own.