The Bloodlines

Malay society in Negeri Sembilan is classified according to clan or "suku" that are inherited from their ancestors. There are 12 "suku" including Biduanda, Batu Hampar, Mungkal, Sri Lemak, Paya Kumboh, Tiga Nenek, Sri Melenggang, Batu Belang, Tanah Datar, Anak Acheh, Anak Melaka, and Tiga Batu. All of these "suku" were passed down from the mother's side which is the reason that "suku" is also referred as "perut". For example, the man from "suku Sri Lemak", and married with outsider such as Kuala Lumpur and has no connection with "suku", the child of the marriage will end the "suku". This child can marry any women even within his dad's "suku".