342 Jelebu. 



affairs of the Yam Tuan's household, but, as I have said, all this 

 is at an end now. 



The Penghulu has four officers attached to his person, 

 who are in like manner appointed and removed by the Waris. 

 1 — Penglima Garang is chosen by the Data Mantri. 

 2 — Penglima Hitam, ... Datu Ngiang. 



3 — Penglima Sutan No. 1, ... Datu Chinchang. 

 4 — Penglima Sutan No. 2, ... Datu i>endara. 



The Penghulu, though in theory above control, is in reality 

 entirely under the direction of the Lembagas rm& Waris, who, if 

 unanimous, can obtain any constitutional change in the country 

 they may desire by observing the following routine. 



If a measure is originated at the unanimous desire of the 

 Lembagas, it is submitted by them to the Waris, and vice versa. 

 Should it obtain the concurrence of the party which is not its 

 originator, it is submitted in due form to the Penghulu, who 

 has the power of veto, but who in practice accepts what is laid 

 before him with but little discussion. After this step has been 

 taken, the measure (until recently) is transmitted to the Yam 

 Tuan for final ratification, and when this has been obtained, 

 the measure becomes law, binding upon the inhabitants of the 

 country generally. 



This process may appear to be rather too involved to work 

 without friction in a Malay State, but there can be no doubt but 

 that it contains elements of safety for the ryot from its very 

 complexity. 



The ex-Raja Balang left Jelebu and has reappeared with 

 the Pahang envoy supporting his theory that Jelebu has always 

 been Pahang territory, and that Jelebu as a separate State is 

 non-existent.* 



Whatever may be the real status of Jelebu, the present 

 condition of the country is truly deplorable. It bears marks 

 of having been, at no very distant period, fairly prosperous and 

 sufficiently peopled, but now, speaking generally, the whole land 

 is waste. 



I passed the other day through mile after mile of deserted 

 kampongs with fine padi land all round in abundance and 

 with fruit-trees still in bearing. 



The only sign of work or prosperity I came across was at 



* See the postscript, 



