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THE office of the Undang Luak Rembau has been ordered to vacate its premises within 24 hours, escalating a dispute over the leadership of one of Negeri Sembilan’s traditional customary territories.
A notice issued today by the Rembau district officer was pasted on the gate of Balai Undang Luak Rembau, stating that the occupants were residing in a government premise without authorisation.
The notice was addressed to Undang Luak Rembau Abdul Rahim Yasin, following the recognition of Hassan Ab Hamid as the 22nd Dato’ Sedia Raja Undang Luak Rembau during a ceremony at Istana Seri Menanti in Kuala Pilah on June 27.
The notice stated that Abdul Rahim was required to vacate the premises within 24 hours from the date of issuance.
“The occupant has been residing in and occupying government premises without permission. Therefore, you are required to vacate the premises of the Undang Luak Rembau within 24 hours from the issuance of this notice,” it stated.
However, Abdul Rahim’s lawyer Emirul Sarifudin Nor Azmi has challenged the validity of the directive, describing it as unlawful and contrary to the customs and legal framework governing the Rembau customary institution.
He said Balai Undang Luak Rembau serves as the administrative centre for the luak’s traditional affairs, housing the office of the Undang as well as offices of the Dato’-Dato’ Lembaga Adat Luak Rembau.
The lawyer claimed the 24-hour eviction notice could undermine the rights and prerogatives of the recognised customary leaders of Luak Rembau.
He also argued that the notice did not specify the legal provisions or authority used by the district officer to issue the order, and therefore should not be considered a statutory notice.
According to Emirul, Abdul Rahim had earlier written to the Rembau district officer on June 30 seeking clarification on the eviction order and requesting documents relating to three matters.
These include the authority or order that removed Abdul Rahim as Undang Luak Rembau, the validity of Hassan’s recognition as the 22nd Undang Luak Rembau, and the legal basis allowing the district officer to issue the eviction directive.
The lawyer said no such documents had been provided as of today.
He urged the authorities to respect due process and resolve the matter through legal channels, warning that government action must be carried out within the limits of the law.
He said any dispute over ownership or possession of the premises should be determined through the courts rather than through enforcement measures that could further heighten tensions surrounding the adat dispute.
The dispute comes after Hassan was recognised as the new Undang Luak Rembau, a move that has sparked disagreement over the succession and authority of the traditional institution.
The Luak system forms an important part of Negeri Sembilan’s unique adat structure, where the appointment of traditional leaders follows customary processes involving the Dato’-Dato’ Lembaga Adat.
The latest development adds another layer to the ongoing dispute, with both sides now expected to defend their respective positions through legal and customary channels. – July 8, 2026
