How did customary law and court injunctions clash in Negri Sembilan?

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Customary Law and Court Injunctions Clash Amidst Negri Sembilan Royal Succession Dispute

Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar was proclaimed the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan in Melaka, a move asserted by former Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim to have been conducted according to the state's customary law, or adat. This proclamation occurred at a five-star hotel in Alor Gajah on June 5, hours after police had initially prevented several Undang and adat leaders from entering the official residence of the Tunku Besar of Tampin for a special sitting of the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU). The proceedings, witnessed by lawyers and adat officials, reportedly followed scripts prepared by experts in Negeri Sembilan customary law, with Rais Yatim stating that both constitutional law and the rigmarole of Adat had been fulfilled.
Role of the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang and Undang in Succession

The Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU) and the Undang, traditional leaders of Negeri Sembilan, play a pivotal role in the state's unique system of royal succession. The DKU, a council of adat leaders, is central to the process of selecting and proclaiming the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. In April, four Undang announced their appointment of Tunku Nadzaruddin as the new Ruler and sought the removal of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, a development that the state government has deemed unconstitutional. This action by the Undang and the subsequent proclamation in Melaka, attended by Undang Jelebu Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad and Tunku Besar Tampin Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus Al-Qadri, highlights their perceived authority in succession matters according to state adat.
Legal Challenge and Alleged Defiance of Court Injunction

The proclamation of Tunku Nadzaruddin occurred despite an application filed by the DKU in the High Court seeking an interlocutory injunction. This injunction aimed to prevent five Undang and a Tunku Besar from holding a special sitting on June 5 and from interfering with the duties of its secretary. The DKU stated that the injunction was necessary to preserve the council's administration and governance while court proceedings were ongoing. The initial blocking of Undang and adat leaders from the Tunku Besar of Tampin's residence by police on the same day suggests a heightened tension and a stand-off between different interpretations of authority, with the proclamation in Melaka appearing to proceed despite the pending legal challenge.
Constitutional Crisis and Conflicting Interpretations of Law

The events have triggered a significant constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, marked by conflicting interpretations of both the state constitution and customary law. Rais Yatim, asserting that Tunku Nadzaruddin had already been appointed Ruler on April 19 by the Undang, questioned the legality of the Negeri Sembilan Legislative Assembly's dissolution. This dissolution was announced by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun with the consent of Tuanku Muhriz, whom the state government recognises as the legitimate Yang di-Pertuan Besar. Rais further claimed that Article 28 of the state constitution defines the Ruler to include the Undang and alleged they were not consulted regarding the assembly's dissolution, adding another layer to the dispute over legitimate authority and constitutional adherence.

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How did customary law and court injunctions clash in Negri Sembilan?

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