Negri Sembilan, Land of a Thousand Horns
Negri Sembilan (also written Negeri Sembilan) is one of the states of Malaysia. Negri Sembilan is located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, sharing borders with Selangor, Pahang, Johor and Malacca. Its name is unique, as it means "nine states". This refers to the nine districts, or nagari - now called luak or luhak - that makes up Negri Sembilan. Originally, the nine luaks were Jelai, Jelebu, Johol, Kelang, Nanaing (@ Naning), Rembau, Segamat and Pasir Besar, Sungai Ujong (@ Sungei Ujong) and Ulu Pahan. Since then, Kelang became part of Selangor when the Selangor sultanate was created in the 18th century, Segamat was absorbed into Johor and while Naning into Malacca. Pasir Besar is now part of Tampin while Ulu Pahan is divided between Jelebu and Pahang state. With all these changes, the present luaks are Jelai, Jelebu, Johol, Rembau, Sungai Ujong and Tampin.
The administrative and commercial capital of Negri Sembilan is Seremban, while the royal capital is at Sri Menanti. The hereditary monarch of Negri Sembilan goes by the title of Yang di-Pertuan Besar. The Yang di-Pertuan Besar is selected by the council of elders, called Undang, who head the four biggest luaks, namely Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol and Rembau. This system is different from the rest of the eight Royal Malay states, but is adopted as the system for the rotation of the Malaysian king, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The history of Negri Sembilan can be traced to the 15th century, when the Minangkabau people of Sumatra crossed the Straits of Malacca and settled there. It was a vassal of the Malacca Sultanate, until the Portuguese conquest, when protection was transferred to the Sultanate of Johor. When the power of the Sultanate of Johor declined through repeated attacks by the Bugis, the people of Negri Sembilan had to seek protection from their own homeland. A Minangkabau prince by the name of Raja Melewar was sent over to rule Negri Sembilan. When he arrrived, he discovered that a certain Raja Khatib had put himself on the throne. With the help of the local chieftains, Raja Melewar succeeded in defeating Raja Khatib; with the blessings of the Sultanate of Johor, Raja Melewar was conferred the title of "Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negri Sembilan", which means, "He Who is Highest Lord of the Nine States". This happened in 1773, and Raja Melewar was given the Sri Menanti Palace is his residence.
Getting to Negri Sembilan
By Flight: There are bus services between KLIA and Seremban
By Train: KTM Komuter trains ply between KL Sentral and Seremban
By Ferry: Port Dickson has a ferry service connecting it with Dumai in Riau province, Sumatra, Indonesia.
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