Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstra13141884roya).pdf/387

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The Waris are entitled as follows:—

  1. —Raja Balang.
  2. —Maharaja Indah.
  3. —Raja Penghulu.
  4. —Datu Umbei.

They also have a vote in the State Council, and the Penghulu is elected from their body with two reservations.

The Datu Umbei cannot become Penghulu, nor can the Raja Penghulu. A member of the family of the latter officer may, however, become a candidate for election.

The succession would appear to follow a fixed rule, viz., that on the death of a Penghulu who has been of the family of a Raja Penghulu, the Raja Balang of the day is elected. At his death the Maharaja Indah of the day succeeds, and is again succeeded as Penghulu by a member of the family of the Raja Penghulu.

This rule is theoretically absolute, but has often been broken through, and in all cases the appointment must be ratified by the unanimous vote of the Lembagas.

The Datu Mantri is the head of the Lembagas, with the full title of "Datu Mantri Shah Memangku Alam." The full title of the Datu Umbei (father of the Waris) is "Datu Umbei Pangkal Maharaja Lela."

According to old custom, the Datu Lela Angsa was appointed by the Penghulu to protect the Yam Tuan, and the Penghulu when he wished to obtain an audience of the Yam Tuan applied to do so to the Datu Mantri, who laid the request before the Datu Lela Angsa.

The Yam Tuan has, however, no followers now, with the exception of an ex-Maharaja Indah, who was deposed for supporting him in acts of oppression, and who resides with him in Klawang. Similarly in former days the Yam Tuan had four officers attached to his household, who now exist no longer. Their titles were :—

  1. —Bruang Sati who was chosen by the Datu Sendara.
  2. —Penglima Prang, chosen by the... Datu Mantri.
  3. —Penglima Mamat, chosen by the... Datu Chinchang.
  4. —Penglima Prang No. 2, chosen by the... Datu Ngiang.

The Lembagas had thus a direct control over the internal