Despite ruling Pahang as an independent fief, Tun Ali still recognised the Sultan that resided in Daik, Lingga, now under Dutch control, as his overlord. In 1844, in a warrant issued to the headman (Jenang) of the aboriginal tribes (suku biduanda) in the region of the river Anak Endau, Tun Ali described himself as "The representative of Sultan Mahmud Shah V, Dato' Bendahara Sri Wak Raja, son of the Bendahara Paduka Raja, Date 1221 (AH)".[21]