KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied claims that Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim had submitted his resignation letter.
“That did not happen,” he said briefly when asked by reporters about the matter at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (Sept 9).
There had been allegations that Ismail submitted his resignation following recent developments in Negri Sembilan.
Ahmad Zahid also denied being present at an alleged meeting where Ismail was purportedly made to sign a proclamation seeking the removal of state Ruler Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
“I was not there. Ismail himself has denied this,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said lawyers who were present during the signing should verify whether Ismail had signed the proclamation 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 Negri Sembilan.
Earlier on Wednesday, Ismail said he had been made to sign the document under duress.
His remarks followed a report, quoting sources, which claimed that Umno leaders including Ahmad Zahid, secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said were present at the meeting.
Both Asyraf Wajdi and Azalina have also denied any involvement.
On Tuesday night, former Undang of Jelebu Datuk Maarof Mat Rashad shared copies of a document purportedly signed by Ismail concerning Tuanku Muhriz’s removal as state Ruler.
Maarof claimed that Ismail had signed the proclamation during a meeting with several others, including former ruling chiefs, at Istana Laguna Biru in Port Dickson on Aug 3.
He then urged the State Secretary and state administration to abide by the proclamation on Tuanku Muhriz’s removal.
Maarof also claimed that the ruling chiefs had, during a meeting on April 19, appointed Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar as the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
Also present at the press conference with Maarof were former Undang of Rembau Abdul Rahim Yasin and Undang of Johol Datuk Mohammed Abdullah.
Both Maarof and Rahim are challenging their removal as Undang.
On Sept 6, Ismail pledged his loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz, stressing that he remained focused on carrying out his duties for the benefit of the people of Negri Sembilan.
In a statement, Ismail said he was aware of a media statement issued by the “Undang Yang Empat” on Sept 5, but said he and his administration remained loyal to and firmly supported Tuanku Muhriz as Yang di-Pertuan Besar.
