Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstra13141884roya).pdf/388

 affairs of the Yam Tuan's household, but, as I have said, all this is at an end now.

The Penghulu has four officers attached to his person, who are in like manner appointed and removed by the Waris.


 * 1) —Penglima Garang is chosen by the Datu Mantri,
 * 2) —Penglima Hitam, Datu Ngiang.
 * 3) —Penglima Sutan No. 1, Datu Chinchang.
 * 4) —Penglima Sutan No. 2, Datu Sendara.

The Penghulu, though in theory above control, is in reality entirely under the direction of the Lembagas and Waris, who, if unanimous, can obtain any constitutional change in the country they may desire by observing the following routine.

If a measure is originated at the unanimous desire of the Lembagas, it is submitted by them to the Waris, and vice versa. Should it obtain the concurrence of the party which is not its originator, it is submitted in due form to the Penghulu, who has the power of veto, but who in practice accepts what is laid before him with but little discussion. After this step has been taken, the measure (until recently) is transmitted to the Yam Tuan for final ratification, and when this has been obtained, the measure becomes law, binding upon the inhabitants of the country generally.

This process may appear to be rather too involved to work without friction in a Malay State, but there can be no doubt but that it contains elements of safety for the ryot from its very complexity.

The ex-Raja Balang left Jelebu and has reappeared with the Pahang envoy supporting his theory that Jelebu has always been Pahang territory, and that Jelebu as a separate State is non-existent.

Whatever may be the real status of Jelebu, the present condition of the country is truly deplorable. It bears marks of having been, at no very distant period, fairly prosperous and sufficiently peopled, but now, speaking generally, the whole land is waste.

I passed the other day through mile after mile of deserted kampongs with fine padi land all round in abundance and with fruit-trees still in bearing.

The only sign of work or prosperity I came across was at