The Minangkabau People of Sumatra came to settle in Negeri Sembilan in the 15^th century. In its early history, Negeri Sembilan as a unified State does not exist. It was rathera loose confederation of nine fiefdoms which developed in the secluded valley of the region. They were under the protection of the Melaka Sultanate until its collapse in 1511 when the Portuguese arrived.
Thereafter they became the vassal of the Johor Sultanate until the 18^th century when it had become weak. Attacks by the Bugis forced the Minangkabaus to seek protection from a prince from their homeland. Raja Melewar of Pagar Ruyong. This resulted in the proclamation of Raja Melewar as the first Yam Tuan or the 'Yang Dipertuan Besar' (meaning 'He who is Greatest') of Negeri Sembilan in 1773. The fiefdoms of Sungai Ujong, Rembau, Johol, Jelebu, Naning, Segamat, Ulu Pahang, Jelai and Kelang were brought together under his rule. Subsequent civil wars among the nine Malay chieftains resulted in the intervention of the British and in appointing a British Resident in 1895. Today, Negeri Sembilan is still not ruled by a Sultan but by the Yang Dipertuan Besar.