New Ruler Declared for Jelebu

Azrin Khairi, a 51-year-old senior manager in the telecommunications sector, has been officially declared the 17th Undang Luak Jelebu. The ceremony took place in Kampung Mengkan, Kuala Klawang.

Khairi, who holds a business administration academic background and possesses professional and community experience, was proclaimed the new ruler. The declaration was made by Ismail Mohd. Zin, who identified himself as the acting Undang Luak Jelebu with the title Dato’ Menteri Sah Mangku Alam Raja Sehari.

However, the proceedings were not without contention. A group of Dato’ Lembaga Luak Jelebu, led by the Secretary Dato’ Lembaga Adat Luak Jelebu, Mohd. Fadzil Abdul Ghani, arrived at the ceremony site. They voiced their opposition to the declaration, asserting that the legitimate Undang Luak Jelebu was still in office and that the individual making the proclamation was no longer Dato’ Menteri Sah Mangku Alam Raja Sehari.

Despite the protest, no untoward incidents occurred, and the ceremony proceeded as scheduled. Khairi's appointment comes after the previous Undang Luak Jelebu, Maarof Mat Rashad, was stripped of his title on May 31, 2023, according to Luak Jelebu customs and traditions. The Dewan Keadilan dan Undang Negeri Sembilan (DKU) confirmed in a statement on July 31 that it had accepted the decision of the traditional elders to dismiss the incumbent, noting that the position of Undang Luak Jelebu automatically became vacant following this dismissal.