Negeri Sembilan

Negeri Sembilan means 'nine states' referring to the constituent territories that were united under a single ruler in the 18thC. Of these nine states, four now remain, and to this date the so-called 'Undang' representatives of these states will elect the Yamtuan from among the princes of the qualifying states. This model formed the basis for the rotating monarchy that Malaysia adopted on Independence in 1957.

The four territories are Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol and Rembau. Shown above are stamps with cancels for (J)ohol and Rembau. Kuala Klawang is the post office for Jelebu. Seremban is the state capital, and was traditionally a centre of chettiar bankers. Tin and rubber were major contributions to the economy of Negeri Sembilan, providing royalties to the local rulers and employment for small holders. Negeri Sembilan is also where agency house Guthrie opened its first rubber estate at Sua Betong. Their processing plant was at Siliau.