A Negri Sembilan customary leader today submitted an application to convene the Special Court over his sacking as the 14th Johol Undang.

Mohd Jan Abdul Ghani, 76, submitted his application via a representative to the Attorney-General's Chambers in Putrajaya.

Negri Sembilan's customs dictate that the state ruler, Yamtuan Besar, is chosen by four customary leaders known as 'Undang', who represent the districts of Rembau, Johol, Jelebu and Sungai Ujong.

Local customary leader Anuar Nordin, who represented Mohd Jan, said the application is so Mohd Jan can receive a fair trial over the allegedly unlawful sacking, according to Article 183 of the Federal Constitution.

Article 183 reads: "No action to be instituted against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or a Ruler except with the consent of the attorney-general personally."

Anuar, who holds the 'Datuk Jenang' title, was accompanied by an entourage of about 25 people.

Anuar is among the five customary leaders who serve in the Johol Undang's royal court, known as the 'Balai'.

The application was received by AG's Chambers representative Zulharry Abdul Rashid.

Rubbish claim of lewd behaviour

Anuar also rubbished allegations that Mohd Jan was removed from the post due to lewd behaviour but declined to elaborate.

He said it is better for such details to be reviewed in the Special Court.

"I believe this is all slander. It is better for this to be heard in court, so we can better understand the details of what actually transpired.

"An Undang is the same level as a ruler and his case deserves to be heard in the Special Court. He has been found guilty without a trial.

"We seek that he receives a fair trial and we will accept the verdict, whatever it may be," he added.

Malaysiakini earlier reported that Mohd Jan issued a legal letter to protest his sacking by the 'Buapak Yang Enam' council at the Johol court on March 21.

The council sacked him for breaching 13 customs, according to the 'Gemuk Berpupuk, Segar Bersiram' book of Pepatih customs.

Mohd Jan, however, said the sacking did not follow procedure because it was not decided by the customary Dewan Keadilan (council of justice) and Undang Council.

'Buapak Yang Enam' refers to a council of customary leaders in Johol, who select the Undang.

According of Negri Sembilan's Pepatih customs, a Buapak is a local customary leader who is chosen by the tribe members.

The Buapak council will in turn choose one 'Datuk Lembaga'.

The 'Datuk Lembaga' of different tribes in the district will convene to choose the Undang for each district, while the Undang council then chooses the state ruler, the Yamtuan Besar.

In March, Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Mohamad Hasan said the state is barred by the state constitution from interfering in the matter.

He said the customary Dewan Keadilan and Undang council will have to make a decision on the matter.