The Minangkabau from Sumatra settled in Negeri Sembilan in the 1400s under the protection of the Malacca Sultanate, and later under the protection of its successor, the Sultanate of Johor.
As Johor weakened in the 18th century, attacks by the Bugis forced the Minangkabau to seek protection from their homeland. The Minangkabau ruler, Sultan Abdul Jalil, obliged by sending his near relative, Raja Melewar. When Raja Melewar arrived, he found that another royal, Raja Khatib had already established himself as ruler. Raja Melewar declared war against Raja Khatib and became the ruler of Negeri Sembilan. The Sultan of Johor confirmed Raja Melewar position by granting the title Yamtuan Seri Menanti in 1773.
After Raja Melewar's death, a series of disputes arose over the succession. For a considerable period, the local nobles applied to the Minangkabau ruler in Sumatra for a ruler. However, competing interests supported different candidates, often resulting in instability and civil war.
After Raja Melewar's death, a series of disputes arose over the succession. For a considerable period, the local nobles applied to the Minangkabau ruler in Sumatra for a ruler. However, competing interests supported different candidates, often resulting in instability and civil war.
In 1873, the British intervened
militarily in a civil war in Sungei Ujong to preserve British economic
interests, and placed the country under the control of a British Resident.
Jelebu followed in 1886, and the remaining states in 1895.
In 1897, when the Federated Malay
States (FMS) was established, Sungei Ujong and Jelebu were reunited to the
confederation of small states and the whole, under the old name of the Negeri
Sembilan, was placed under a single Resident and became a member of the FMS.
The number of states within Negeri
Sembilan has fluctuated over the years. Currently, the federation consists of 6 states (
Seremban (previously Sg Ujong), Jelebu, Jelai (now Kuala Pilah), Ulu Pahang (
now Jempol ), Johol ( now Tampin ), and Rembau. The former state of Naning was
annexed to Malacca, Klang to Selangor, and Segamat to Johor.
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