‘Undang’ jibe at Anthony Loke crosses line, Negeri Sembilan aide told to apologise

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 — A press secretary to the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar has been urged to issue a public apology after allegedly mocking the state’s Undang Yang Empat institution by referring to DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke as the “fifth Undang”.

Umno Negeri Sembilan committee member Datuk Saiful Yazan Sulaiman said it was inappropriate to turn the Undang title into a political joke, according to a Sinar Harian report.

He said he took seriously a viral video on social media showing a government officer allegedly referring to Loke as the “fifth Undang” during the Pakatan Harapan Negeri Sembilan election machinery launch recently.

“I wish to stress that the Undang title is not a subject for political jokes. It carries its own position, history and dignity within the Adat Perpatih system and the state of Negeri Sembilan,” he said in a statement on Monday.

Saiful said linking any political leader to the Undang title, even in jest or satire, was inappropriate and showed a lack of sensitivity and understanding of the state’s adat institutions.

He added that it was more disappointing as the remark came from someone within the state administration, who should have upheld respect for local customs and institutions.

He also urged the menteri besar to state his position on the matter.

“The menteri besar cannot remain silent or treat this as trivial. Failure to act will create the impression that belittling adat institutions is accepted by the state government,” he said.

Saiful stressed that the people of Negeri Sembilan would not allow the state’s customs and heritage to be disrespected for political gain.

“The adat institution does not belong to any political party. It is the dignity of Negeri Sembilan,” he said.

“The officer concerned must issue a public apology to the people of Negeri Sembilan and the Undang Yang Empat institution without excuses or delay.”

Separately, Negeri Sembilan Umno Youth chief Mohamad Fadil Md Zin described the remark as rude and disgraceful.

He said, as a state resident, the individual should have been more sensitive, especially as he holds a position within the government.

“Umno Youth strongly condemns the use of the ‘fifth Undang’ title during the PH Negeri Sembilan machinery launch.

“The adat institution is not a joke and must be respected by all. As the saying goes, ‘better to lose a child than lose adat’,” he said.