What is "penghulu"

n. (context Malaysia English) A local chief or governor in some Malaysian states.

Penghulu is the headman or chief of a region in traditional Malay society.

Traditionally, the Minangkabau who at the end of the 17th century settled at Negeri Sembilan, in present-day Malaysia, chose from among themselves a "penghulu" or headman. Several of these penghulus, notably that of Sungai Ujong, Jelebu, Johol and Rembau, became powerful enough to exalt themselves above other penghulus. By the early part of the 18th century, the leaders of these four districts started calling themselves Undang.