The Men- 
angkabau Ra- 
ja. 
Prerogative. 
62 REMBAU HISTORY, ETC. 
The insistence by Daing Kamboja, the Bugis overlord, on such 
other rights as the Hindu hypothesis grants, is what perhaps 
resulted in his expulsion in ito A. D. bya combination of four 
of the Confederate States.” 
The Ménangkabau Suzerain on the other hand never 
possessed any but a. strictly defined and delegated authority. 
Newbold’ agrees with the saying in stating that the Raja was 
afforded a ‘maintenance,’ from each land owner in the four 
States, of a meusure of rice, a cluster of coconuts and 25 
pieces of money.* He was bound to consult and follow the 
majority verdict of the four Undang on questions referred to 
him. The sayings flatly deny the obligation on the Undang 
to supply the Raja with men and material for war, but the 
necessary contribution of three buffaloes and of alms at a 
royal marriage, circumcision, or burial feast is admitted by 
local antiquarians. 
The strictly delegated nature of the Ménangkabau Raja’s 
authority—-a fact established by his method of appointment, 
on direct application to Pagar Royong—did not preclude his 
retention of certain prerogatives common to Malay royalty ; 
though it barred any hope of a sentimental hold over the 
States. His person was sacrosanct (bérdaulat), and his office 
bérgélenggang.* The exact significance of bérgélenggang is 
uncertain, but the term is best interpreted as referring to the 
royal prerogative of holding high festival at will—and of 
indulging thereat in the gambling and cock fighting dear to 
Malay court life. His quality of bérkhalifah* is common to 
him with the Undang at least in its spiritual significance. His 
judicial powers extended to inflicting a fine of 66 kupangs, 
(equivalent to $24.80) which went to his private purse; and 
only the suzerain could order execution by beheading. The 
headsman’s sword—says the custom—belongs to the Raja.’ 
(1) v. chap. I. p. 17. 
(2) v. Newbold op cit. vol. IT. p. 80. 
(3) v. Saying IX. App. I. 
(4) v. Saying X.. and cf. chap. II. 5. Undang. 
(5) v, Saying XIX. App. I. 
Jour, Straits Branch 
