Undang Yang Empat, Tunku Besar Tampin have prerogative to call Negeri Sembilan DKU meeting

The Undang Yang Empat and Tunku Besar Tampin possess the authority to call meetings of the Negeri Sembilan Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU), according to legal expert Datuk Dr. Wan Ahmad Fauzi. He clarified that the Negeri Sembilan State Constitution does not limit the power to convene DKU meetings solely to the Yang Dipertuan Besar.

Wan Ahmad Fauzi, also a constitutional expert, explained that the constitution, specifically Article 79, grants the Undang Yang Empat and Tunku Besar Tampin the prerogative to summon DKU meetings. He noted that this practice is not unusual, as meetings of the Council of Malay Rulers can also be convened by a number of Malay Rulers.

The DKU comprises eight permanent members as stipulated in the constitution: the Yang Dipertuan Besar, the Undang Yang Empat, the Tunku Besar Tampin, the Tunku Besar Seri Menanti, and the Datuk Shahbandar Sungai Ujong. Wan Ahmad Fauzi further stated that while the Yang Dipertuan Besar typically chairs DKU meetings, members can elect a chairperson if the Yang Dipertuan Besar is absent.

This legal interpretation comes after a recent incident where six prominent chiefs, who constitute the majority of DKU members, decided to suspend the DKU Secretary, Raja Norazli Raja Nordin. They were reportedly angered by his failure to comply with their directive to arrange a special DKU session scheduled for June 5. The aggrieved chiefs, including the Undang Luak Sungei Ujong, Undang Luak Jelebu, Undang Luak Johol, Undang Luak Rembau, Tunku Besar Tampin, and Datuk Shahbandar Sungei Ujong, have also decided to appoint a special committee to manage the secretary's duties.