SEREMBAN, May 5, 2026 – Prominent political activist and writer Liyana Marzuki has strongly rebutted ongoing narratives that portray the Undang (traditional state chiefs) of Negeri Sembilan as equivalent to the Raja (ruler), describing the claims as heavily laden with propaganda.
In a detailed post on X yesterday, Marzuki – a law school graduate and former practicing lawyer – stressed the need for evidence-based arguments in public discourse. “Every hujah (argument) needs supporting proof,” she wrote.
To back her position, she referenced two key pieces of evidence:
- An earlier image she shared showing an Undang seated on the floor and kissing the hand of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar (Yam Tuan) during a royal ceremony – a clear display of the ruler’s sovereignty.
- A video clip from the Yang di-Pertuan Besar’s official speech during the first session of the 15th Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on 23 April 2026. In the speech, the Yam Tuan explicitly referred to the Undang as “Pembesar Negeri” (state dignitaries).
Marzuki pointed out that all royal speeches and titah (royal decrees) are carefully reviewed by the Unit Protokol dan Istiadat (Protocol and Ceremonial Unit), making the official terminology unambiguous: “pembesar” and not “DYMM Raja”.
She clarified that her post was not aimed at “pembenci” (haters) but at those willing to open their minds and accept facts over propaganda. “We can listen and learn together,” she added.
Marzuki also issued a strong reminder: “Be careful when commenting on royal titah. Don’t commit derhaka.” She revealed that some individuals had threatened to lodge police reports against her simply for stating that the Undang are Pembesar Negeri, urging them instead to listen directly to the Yam Tuan’s own words.
The statement comes amid heightened political sensitivities in Negeri Sembilan, where debates over the roles of traditional institutions, including the Undang, have surfaced in recent weeks.
Marzuki’s post has already drawn reactions from netizens, with some linking it to ongoing UMNO-related political developments in the state.
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