Zahid denies audience with Tuanku Muhriz

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied receiving an audience with Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir at Istana Negeri Sembilan, stating that neither he nor Negeri Sembilan's Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim were summoned. Reports suggested several vehicles, including one possibly carrying Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, arrived at the palace for the meeting.

Zahid, speaking after officiating the University Research and Innovation Investment Summit 2026, claimed the meeting was unknown to him and Ismail until media reports broke the story. He emphasized that the matter should be resolved amicably within the state, citing complex legal interpretations and constitutional jurisdiction. The controversy intensified after Tuanku Muhriz revoked the appointments of 10 state executive councillors for alleged oath violations, sparking Ismail's dispute that Negeri Sembilan's constitution precludes the ruler from terminating an executive councillor's tenure without consent from the Menteri Besar.