Adat Perpatih should keep up with times

The Adat Perpatih is becoming obsolete due to the great challenges in the era of globalisation, according to assistant curator of the Adat Perpatih Unit, Antiquities Division, Negeri Sembilan Museum Board, Asrul Effendi Kamaruzzaman.

Thus, he said, to maintain the influence of Adat Perpatih among Negeri Sembilan people, its leaders should act in accordance with the changing times.

"The involvement of young people should also be emphasised in order to contribute towards the propagation of Adat Perpatih and at the same time upholding the special tradition," he told Bernama, here, today.

The Adat Perpatih, customary laws and practices originating from the Minangkabau Highlands in Sumatra, Indonesia, were brought to Peninsular Malaysia by Minangkabau migrants in the 14th century.

It practises, among others, democracy in electing chiefs and the ruler, and a system of matrilineal inheritance. The customs are unique compared to those practised in the other states.

"Each custom is conducted in an orderly, beautiful and subtle manner. It shows the personality of its people who love harmony and unity," said Asrul Effendi.

He said Adat Perpatih should be preserved for the good of future generations and was still a relevant practice in Negeri Sembilan.

"This can be seen politically in which the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Datuk Undang Yang Empat and Tunku Besar Tampin as well as the Datuk Lembaga and Buapak-Buapak are still in power.

"From the social aspect, it is characterised by the family spirit such as cooperation, consensus, mutual respect and good neighbourliness," he added. - BERNAMA