What Are the Corruption Allegations Against the Undang of Jelebu?
SSM (Companies Commission of Malaysia) records reveal a potentially serious conflict of interest involving Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, the Undang of Jelebu.
What is the NREE Holdings controversy?
Documents circulating on social media and verified against public SSM (Companies Commission of Malaysia) records reveal a potentially serious conflict of interest involving Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad, the Undang of Jelebu.
29 November 2024: A letter on official Balai Undang Luak Jelebu letterhead, signed by the Undang of Jelebu (styled as YTM Dato’ Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman Dato’ Haji Maarof bin Haji Mat Rashad), was issued to NREE Development Sdn. Bhd., 21B First Floor, Lebuhraya Maktab, George Town, Pulau Pinang. The letter granted formal authorisation for rare earth elements (REE) prospecting activities on private land at Plot 1, Mukim Kenaboi, Daerah Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan.
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The letter stated: “In accordance with the Negeri Sembilan Land Code, the authority to grant Prospecting Licenses on private land within the Jelebu District resides with the Undang. Therefore, no additional approval is required from the Land and Mines Office (PTG).”
18 January 2025: Verified SSM records show that the Undang of Jelebu, listed at the address of Balai Undang Luak Jelebu, Kuala Klawang, became a shareholder of NREE Holdings (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Registration No. 202401049421) — the parent company of NREE Development. He held 20 shares, representing 20% of the company.
18 March 2026: The Undang of Jelebu exited the company entirely. His total shareholding became zero. This exit occurred approximately one month before the April 19 declaration against Tuanku Muhriz.
What are the legal implications?
A public official using their official position and authority to grant prospecting rights to a company in which they subsequently become a shareholder constitutes, at minimum, a serious conflict of interest. Depending on intent and circumstances, it could potentially amount to corruption under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.
The authorisation letter explicitly bypassed the state Land and Mines Office (PTG). The Undang’s quiet exit from the company exactly one month before the constitutional crisis raises further questions about timing and motivation.
The questions raised by the NREE Holdings timeline also sit within a wider commentary on the office itself. Writing as the constitutional dispute broke, one opinion columnist argued that the role of Undang has come to prioritise board seats, land premiums, and state-linked perks over the welfare of the people, and asked whether the chiefs are guarding the heritage of Negeri Sembilan or guarding access to its interests (The Vibes, 23 April 2026).
These matters properly belong before the Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM).
Read Next: Who Is the Undang of Johol and Why Do 70 Companies Raise Questions That Demand Answers?
Footnote: The views expressed in this video are those of the creator. The SSM records cited are public documents independently verified by this publication.
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Anak Nogori is independent commentary on the unfolding constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, where centuries-old Adat Perpatih, royal succession law, and modern political manoeuvring are colliding in ways Malaysia has never seen before. If you find this useful, share it with someone who should be following this, or subscribe to receive the latest articles in your inbox.
