Tunku Naquiyuddin

Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Laxamana Tunku Dato' Seri Utama Naquiyuddin Tuanku Ja'afar is the eldest son of Tuanku Jaafar ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, who was also a former Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) of Malaysia. Tunku Naquiyuddin served as regent of Negeri Sembilan from 1994-1999 when his father was elected as the King of Malaysia.

Suave, charming and debonair, Tunku Laxamana Naquiyuddin had been for years one of Malaysia's most well-known member of royalty, and was widely expected to succeed his father as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan. However he was bypassed as Ruler in favour of his cousin, Tunku Muhriz, upon the death of his father, allegedly due to Naquiyuddin's unbecoming behaviour.

Early Life

Tunku Naquiyuddin Ibni Tuanku Ja'afar read International Politics at the University College of Wales at Aberystwyth (later known as the University of Wales, Aberystwyth) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours in Economics from the same college.

Tunku served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was posted as the 2nd Secretary with the Malaysian Embassy in Paris. Tunku later headed Antah Holdings Berhad as its Chairman, a position held till 2007, which was vacated for a 5 year period during his tenure as the Regent of Negeri Sembilan from 1994 to 1999.

Tunku was also a Council Member of the Business Council for Sustainable Development, a Geneva-based organization, Founder and Head of the Federation of Public Listed Companies, Council Member of the Canada-ASEAN Center and Committee Member of the Bursa Malaysia.

Bypassed the Throne

On 29 December 2008, The Council of Undang proclaimed Tunku Muhriz as the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan succeeding Almarhum Tuanku Jaafar ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman who had died on 27 December 2008.

This decision was made following intense discussions among the four Undangs. At least two, if not all four of the Undangs strongly championed Tunku Muhriz's candidacy. They refused to budge when it was suggested that they consider Tunku Naquiyuddin, Tuanku Jaafar's eldest son, instead as the next Ruler of Negeri Sembilan.

Due to a life-long habit of keeping a low profile, Tuanku Muhriz was largely unknown outside royal circles in Negeri Sembilan compared to Tunku Naquiyuddin, who was very media friendly. However, Tuanku Muhriz established and maintained strong ties with the Undangs, the general nobility, the lesser royalty and people of Negeri Sembilan, and more so since moving back to the state a few years ago. He also has powerful backers within the political establishment in the state, with the former Menteri Besar Tan Sri Isa Samad among his supporters.

Known for his charitable activities, Tunku Naquiyuddin was also a keen sportsman and a top corporate figure popular with the public, making him an ideal candidate to be the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan. But perhaps the spate of bad publicity his family endured in recent times eventually hurt his chances as he was ultimately bypassed when the four Undangs, or territorial chiefs, of the state instead chose his cousin Tuanku Muhriz to ascend to the throne. He is also a Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia(UKM).

Tuanku Jaafar's family are said to be completely devastated with the decision of the Undangs to select Tuanku Muhriz over Tunku Naquiyuddin. They too had several powerful politicians in their camp but the Undangs were not to be swayed.