Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar's press secretary Ahmad Shahir Mohd Shah has issued a public apology to the Undang Yang Empat after referring to DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke as the "Tok Undang" during Pakatan Harapan's Negeri Sembilan election machinery event.
In a statement on Monday, Ahmad Shahir acknowledged his mistake and said: "I would like to begin by apologising to the Undang Yang Empat for my remarks made in jest, in which I referred to a title used for him on social media, namely \Tok Undang\. He added that he viewed the use of the title seriously as it involved the sensitivities of the Adat Perpatih institution.
The apology came after Umno Negeri Sembilan committee member Datuk Saiful Yazan Sulaiman condemned the remark and demanded a public apology. Saiful said the Undang title was not a subject for political jokes and carries its own position, history and dignity within Negeri Sembilan's customary system. He also cautioned that such remarks could affect the state government's standing.
Negeri Sembilan Umno Youth also criticised the remark, describing it as inappropriate for someone in a government position to make light of an institution that forms part of the state's royal customs. The youth wing warned that politicising adat institutions could undermine public confidence in the upcoming election.
Ahmad Shahir emphasised that PH remained committed to respecting and upholding the dignity of the Undang institution as a valuable heritage that forms part of Negeri Sembilan's identity. He said the remark was not intended to diminish the importance of adat institutions in the state and that he takes the tradition seriously as a Negeri Sembilan native. He noted that he comes from a family with deep roots in the state.
The controversy is politically sensitive in Negeri Sembilan because the Undang Yang Empat form part of the state's unique customary and royal framework under Adat Perpatih. The four Undang or territorial chiefs are traditional rulers who play important roles in state customs and ceremonies. They are highly respected figures whose positions are recognised in state protocol and are consulted on matters of tradition and culture. The institution dates back to the pre-colonial era.
The Negeri Sembilan state election will be held on August 1, with nomination day set for July 18 and early voting on July 28. The controversy comes as parties prepare for a campaign expected to place strong focus on political stability, state institutions and coalition trust in the state election.
Sources: Malay Mail, Free Malaysia Today, Astro Awani, Election Commission.
