Zahid denies N. Sembilan MB resigned amid royal dispute

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has refuted allegations that Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has resigned due to a disagreement involving the state’s royal institution. The Star had reported claims of Ismail’s resignation, but Ahmad Zahid dismissed them when questioned by reporters at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

He stated, “That did not happen.” Ahmad Zahid also denied attending an alleged meeting where Ismail supposedly signed a proclamation for the removal of Negeri Sembilan’s ruler, Tuanku Muhriz Munawir. “I was not there. Ismail himself has denied this,” he affirmed. He urged the lawyers present during the alleged signing to verify if Ismail had signed under coercion.

“It is better for the lawyers who were present at the signing to confirm this,” Ahmad Zahid added. Ahmad Zahid emphasized that Umno has always valued and respected both the royal institution and the Undang in Negeri Sembilan.