Also recognised in the symbols are the political history of Negeri Sembilan, its ruler, and the state's past relationship with the British Empire.

Prior to 1942, the British Resident of Negeri Sembilan was also assigned the same flag, with the exception it is forked at the fly.

The yellow represents the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, the red denotes the citizens of the state, and the black symbolises the four undangs (traditional chiefs).

[2] The standard of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar is a yellow flag charged with a red lozenge, inscribed within it is a black circle with the Yamtuan's personal emblem: the spear, Changgai Putri fronted by a sword and scabbard.

Like the flag, the Negeri Sembilan coat of arms utilises the colours black, red and yellow with the minor addition of white.