{
  "id": 9458501,
  "title": "Ruling Chiefs must act on the advice of the DKU — Hafiz Hassan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/ruling-chiefs-must-act-on-the-advice-of-the-dku-hafiz-hassan",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T01:19:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2026/09/24/ruling-chiefs-must-act-on-the-advice-of-the-dku-hafiz-hassan/236287"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Melaka State Legislative Assembly (SLA), also known as Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN), has been dissolved to make way for the 16th state election, according to the September 24 report. The SLA, like other state DUNs, is a constitutional body except in Negeri Sembilan, which has a different constitutionally recognized body called the Dewan Keadilan dan Undang (DKU). The DKU, made up of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and Ruling Chiefs, advises on Malay Custom matters, including election or succession issues of Ruling Chiefs and other matters referred to it. The DKU's advice is final and cannot be challenged in court. The Ruling Chiefs, as part of the Ruler's collective authority, must act on this advice, as emphasized in Article 40(1) and Article 40(1A) of the State Constitution. The writer argues that the Ruling Chiefs must accept and act upon the DKU's advice, even if it contradicts their own decisions, as it is the final word on Malay Custom matters.",
  "summary": "SEPTEMBER 24 — The Melaka State Legislative Assembly (SLA) has been dissolved to pave the way for the 16th state e...",
  "key_points": [
    "Melaka SLA dissolved for 16th state election",
    "DKU advises on Malay Custom matters, including succession issues",
    "Ruling Chiefs must act on DKU's final advice"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Ruling Chiefs' obligation to act on the DKU's advice underscores the collective authority of the Rulers and limits their individual discretion on matters of Malay Custom.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}