Page 176 - BAB I-V ADATMINANG

than the absolute decision of a leader or king. This can

be seen in the course of history that the only kingdom
led by a king but with a democratic government was the

Pagarruyung kingdom in Minangkabau.

4. Rule of Law
All members of society are treated equally before the

law. A person is required to speak the truth and act fairly. As
the following proverb:

Ma Hukum Adie Talento Bana,
beautiful parties,

left-handed manners,

luruih bana really held,
in mato nan unsquandered,

in dado nan not thrown out,
in the lungs that are not

discarded. 121
The egalitarian principle adopted by the Minang

community is supported by fair law enforcement. A person is

not entitled to a legal dispensation (leniency) for reasons of
kinship, relatives, etc., but the truth is the principle of

121 Idrus Hakimy, Mustika Series, p. 29, which means: To punish
justly, to speak the truth, not to take sides, not to be left-handed, to hold it
straight, to not squint the eyes, not to inflate the chest, not to deflate the
stomach.