Installation. 
Two fold 
Nature of Un- 
dang’s power. 
50 REMBAU HISTORY, ETC. 
reference is now made in the event of disagreement, to H. H. 
the Governor of the Straits Settlements, whose decision is final. 
When the elector-chiefs are agreed, the name of the 
new Undang is pronounced by the senior lémbaga and all 
chiefs render homage. A date is then fixed for installation 
(ménabal or mélantek) to ensure the presence of the eight 
great tribal chiefs, the “ tiang balaz,’ or pillars of the audience 
hall. The prospective Undang is taken to his mother’s house 
where he remains until the day of the ceremony. Ancient 
custom provided that the ceremony of installation should be 
performed at Kampong Nérasau but there is ample precedent 
for choosing the house of the Undang, wherever situate, as a 
more convenient spot. 
When all chiefs are assembled, the Undang takes his seat 
on the canopied dais erected in the hall of audience (balaz) 
which is hung with the insignia of his office." The chiefs then, 
in order of precedence, advance (ményalang) and render 
homage (ményémbah). The absence of a tribal chief, if duly 
informed of the day fixed for the installation, except for a valid 
reason to be previously notified, is held to imply refusal to 
acknowledge the Undang, and involves his deposition and the 
immediate choice of a successor to replace him at the 
ceremony. If illness prevents his attendance, a chief may 
appoint a member of his tribe to represent him, as pangku 
(officiating) and to pay homage in his place. When all 
present have rendered obeisance the ceremony is concluded 
with prayer. 
Two distinct réles are combined in the office of Undang— 
first, headship of the warzs of Rembau; second, headship 
of the State. The combination of the two gives its peculiar 
nature to the power wielded by the Undang, as compared with 
the authority of other officers under the Rembau constitution. 
A detailed consideration of the unique attributes attaching 
to the office of Undang as stated in saying X, affords clear 
(1) v. Saying XII for a list of these insignia. 
(2) In 1905 7 chiefs were deposed for wilful absence from the 
installation of the Dato’ Lela Maharaja Haji Sulong. 
Jour. Straits Branch 
