Who will be the new Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan to replace the late Tuanku Ja'afar Tuanku Abdul Rahman who died yesterday?

While the safe and popular bet is on Tuanku Ja’afar’s son and crown prince Tunku Naquiyuddin, there is another person who qualifies to be named as ruler.

He is Tuanku Ja’afar’s nephew, Tunku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

Tuanku Ja’afar, who died yesterday at the age of 86, took over as the state ruler in 1967 following the death of his brother, Tuanku Munawir Tuanku Abdul Rahman - the father of Tunku Muhriz.

At that time, Tunku Muhriz was the Tunku Besar - a title equivalent to crown prince - but he was overlooked as he was still under-aged.

According to constitutional expert Professor Abdul Aziz Bari, the late Tuanku Ja’afar was then the high commissioner to Nigeria.

“He was actually taking the place of his nephew (Tunku Muhriz), who was still a minor at that time,” he told Malaysiakini .

“Tunku Muhriz is still around today and this has put Tunku Naqiuddin in a difficult situation,” he added.

It must be noted that Tunku Naquiyuddin was appointed the state’s regent when Tuanku Ja’afar became the Agong from 1994 to 1999. Tunku Naquiyuddin also stood in as the Negri Sembilan ruler whenever his father was away.

Ruling chiefs meet today

Under the Negeri Sembilan constitution, the next ruler will be chosen by the four undangs, or ruling chiefs.

Although the state constitution stipulates that the undangs may appoint the surviving male of the late ruler - namely Tunku Naquiyuddin, the rightful heir Tunku Muhriz is also fit to be the next ruler, added Abdul Aziz.

The undangs are holding their meeting today and will make an announcement on the new ruler tomorrow.

Abdul Aziz said that the decision of the four undangs will based on majority rule.

“I believe the appointment should be transparently made in accordance with the constitution.

“The people have every right to know as the rulership or monarchy is part of the constitutional scheme,” he added.

Tuanku Ja'afar, who was the 10th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, died at the Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital in Seremban after complaining of headaches and discomfort.

The new Negri Sembilan ruler, officially called the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, will be named tomorrow before Tuanku Ja'afar is laid to rest at the Seri Menanti royal cemetery.