Dynasty of Undang Naning

Dato' Undang Naning
(Property of Dynasty Undang Naning)


In the 14th century Minangkabauw peoples from the island of Sumatra began to go to the area, which is now known as Negri Sembilan (as an historical name).
First you couldn't really speak of states as these exist now.
The Minangkabauw people are a sort of decentralised people. There are many peoples under their own ruler; in Minagkabauw under the paramount rule of an Emperor; assisted (in European idea) by 2 other paramount rulers; but the Emperor is what we call the wordly ruler.
After some time some states took shape in Negri Sembilan (meaning the Nine States):
Sungai Ujong, Rembau, Johol, Jelebu, Naning, Segamat, Klang, Jelai and Sri Menanti.
For all kind of reasons Naning, Segamat, Jelai and Klang later became part of the surrounding states. In that process Naning had a special status, retaining much of his autonomy as a traditional system, with the Dato Undang, or Penghulu at the top.
Under it's ruler Datu Abdul Sayid Naning lead a proud war for it's independent status and after some successes, the tide changed however for Naning and was overwhelmed by the British troups in 1836. The so-called Naning war is an important fact in the history of Malaysia.
The Dato Undang was deposed and taken prisoner and forced to live at another palace.
From then on the traditional Dato Undang system of Naning lead a sleeping existence, although after the last ruling Dato Undang other Dato Undangs were installed(for the official then existing local government) unofficially.
From 1924 there was a revival of this traditional system.
It received from then on some blows.
The Dato Undang, who had the dignity in World War II was executed by the Japanese occupationforce for being one of the rebels.The succesor was murdured after the World War II by rebelling communists. His succesor was then the adatleader and remained as such until some years ago. He was then nearly 100 years and was the great symbol of Naning traditional culture.
Naning was since 1836 a part of the State of Malakka.
Then the present Dato Undang of Naning was installed. He is originally a policeofficer in the nearby semi-principality of Tampin; in Negri Sembilan.
Then he took up his residence in the as palace functioning building and tried to preserve the regalia and other heirloom of the dynasty, which threatened to be dispersed.
The reason, why Naning now is out here,is that after his installation the Dato Undang made a ceremonial trip to the Emperor of Minangkabauw, or Pagaruyung on Sumatra and told him about his installation and asked for his ceremonial approval, which was given. That was to retain the old bond between the 2 Minangkabauw peoples in the areas lying on both sides of the sea.
The Negri Sembilan people were united by a prince from the Pagaruyung Imperial Court, which went to Negri Sembilan to be the paramount Ruler after a request from the rulers there.
This bond still is maintained from time to time.
Apart from these ceremonial contacts no really contacts are between the 2 Minangkabauw peoples, because both peoples concentrate totally to the country in which they are living.
The present Dato Undang of Naning want to see his fellow royal brothers in Indonesia by going (probably) from 25-30 november 2008 to the 1st SE Asia Royal Heritage Festival and Expo in Denpasar/Bali.
But his main task is now to preserve the local culture and it's real symbols.
He is just now the good man at the right time, so that with his relative young energy he can with strong intention try to do so.
May others support him in that in a wise way.
That Naning may be discovered again as an important name in the history of Malaysia Federal Kingdom.


Donald P. Tick,
Pusat Dokumentasi Kerajaan-kerajaan Indonesia "Pusaka"
Edit by festivi