Zahid denies N. Sembilan MB resigned amid royal dispute

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied claims that Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has submitted his resignation amid a dispute involving the state’s royal institution.

The Star reported that Ahmad Zahid rejected the claim when approached by reporters at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.

“That did not happen,” he said when asked about reports that Ismail had resigned.

Ahmad Zahid also denied being present at an alleged meeting where Ismail was purportedly made to sign a proclamation seeking the removal of Negri Sembilan Ruler Tuanku Muhriz Munawir.

“I was not there. Ismail himself has denied this,” he said.

He said lawyers who were present during the alleged signing should verify whether Ismail had signed the document under duress.

“It is better for the lawyers who were present at the signing to confirm this. We have also heard that there may be a press conference on the matter soon,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said Umno had always upheld and respected the royal institution as well as the institution of the Undang in Negeri Sembilan.

Earlier today, Ismail said he had been made to sign the document under duress following reports alleging that several Umno leaders, including Ahmad Zahid, Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dasuki and information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, were present at the meeting.

Asyraf Wajdi and Azalina have both denied involvement, while Ismail on September 6 pledged his loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz and said he remained focused on carrying out his duties for the people of Negri Sembilan.

The controversy intensified after former Undang of Jelebu Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad on Tuesday night shared copies of a document purportedly signed by Ismail concerning Tuanku Muhriz’s removal and claimed it was signed during a meeting at Istana Laguna Biru in Port Dickson on August 3.

Maarof also claimed that the ruling chiefs had appointed Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar during a meeting on April 19, and urged the state secretary and administration to abide by the purported proclamation.

Maarof and former Undang of Rembau Abdul Rahim Yasin are challenging their removal as Undang, while Undang of Johol Datuk Mohammed Abdullah also attended Maarof’s press conference.