[UPDATED] Zahid denies attending meeting linked to Negri Sembilan royal dispute

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has firmly denied attending a meeting where Negri Sembilan Chief Minister Ismail Lasim signed a proclamation removing Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the state ruler. Zahid reiterated that he was not present at the meeting and emphasized that Umno respects the royal institution and the customs of Negri Sembilan.

Both Umno's information chief Azalina Othman Said and secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki also denied attending the meeting. Azalina stated she was not present when the proclamation was signed, while Asyraf clarified he was not involved and was merely part of the party's national leadership. The proclamation is at the heart of a royal dispute in Negri Sembilan, with Ismail alleging he was coerced into signing the document to replace Tuanku Muhriz as the state's Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

Ismail has filed a police report, stating that the document does not adhere to the procedures and protocols outlined in Article 10 of the state constitution, making it invalid and unenforceable.