Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan’s Birthday in Malaysia Date in the current year: January 14, 2024

Prior to getting its own ruling dynasty, Negeri Sembilan was ruled by the Sultan of Malacca and then by the Sultan of Johor. In 1773, Raja Melewar of the Minangkabau people came to Negeri Sembilan and took over the leadership with the permission of the Sultan of Johor. He was given the title of Yang di-Pertuan Besar, also known as Yamtuan Besar, which means “He Who Is Made Great” or “Great Ruler”.

In 1948, Negeri Sembilan joined the Federation of Malaya that became independent from the United Kingdom in 1957 and was transformed into Malaysia with Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore in 1963. After joining the federation, sultanates remained monarchies, but their rulers have mainly representative functions and act as spiritual leaders. Nevertheless, all state laws and constitutional amendments must be approved by the monarch of the state.

Besides, every five years the nine rulers of the monarchical states participate in the election of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the ruler of Malaysia), where they also stand as candidates. The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan last served as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1994 to 1999. During his rule, Malaysia overcame the consequences of the Asian financial crisis and became one of the leading countries in the region.

The incumbent Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan is Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir. His father was the Yamtuan Besar from 1960 until his death in 1967. Although Tuanku Muhriz was made heir presumptive (Tunku Besar) in 1960, the council of ruling chiefs decided that the 19-year-old Tunku Besar was too young to succeed his late father. As a result, Tuanku Muhriz’s uncle, Tuanku Jafar, was elected as the next Yamtuan Besar.

Tuanku Jafar ruled over Negeri Sembilan until his death in 2008 (from 1994 to 1999, he also served as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong). After his death, the council did proclaim Tuanku Muriz as the next ruler of Negeri Sembilan. His candidacy was backed up by many prominent Malaysians due to his personal qualities, education and successful corporate career (Tuanku Muhriz graduated from the University College of Wales with a law degree, worked in the financial field and was the chairman of several successful companies).

In all Malayan states, the birthday of the incumbent monarch or governor is an official holiday. Since Tuanku Muhriz’s accession, the birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan has been celebrated on January 14.