SEREMBAN: The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, granted an audience to Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim, with the meeting believed to have focused on efforts to resolve the state’s ongoing customary and constitutional crisis.
Ismail’s vehicle was seen entering Istana Hinggap through the main entrance at about 10.50am yesterday.
However, Ismail avoided reporters waiting at the front gates by departing through the palace’s back entrance at about 1.45pm.
Also at the palace were the Undang of Sungei Ujong Muhammad Faris Johari, the Undang of Rembau Hassan Ab Hamid, Tuanku Muhriz’s eldest son Tunku Ali Redhauddin, who is also Tunku Besar Seri Menanti, and state police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Alzafny Ahmad.
Both Hassan and Muhammad Faris were seen leaving the palace via the front entrance around the same time as Ismail.
When asked by reporters if the meeting had ended, Hassan merely said it was still ongoing.
Tuanku Muhriz was seen leaving the palace at about 2.30pm.
When asked about the meeting later, DCP Alzafny said it was a closed-door discussion and declined to comment.
“Our duty and responsibility is to maintain safety, whether it is an order from Tuanku or any other party,” he said.
On Sunday, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told Ismail to seek an audience with Tuanku Muhriz to discuss a resolution to the customary crisis in the state.
He gave Ismail the mandate to seek the best solution, including an audience with the Ruler and meetings with the Undang and other customary leaders to resolve the crisis.
He said steps needed to be taken to ensure the Negri Sembilan administration continued to function smoothly, despite Tuanku Muhriz revoking the appointments of 10 state executive council members on Sept 20 after the palace stated the members violated their oath of office.
Ahmad Zahid said the situation in Negri Sembilan must be dealt with in accordance with the state Constitution, customs and existing regulations.
On Monday, Bukit Aman officers recorded statements from the 10 former exco members.
The former exco members appeared at the state Islamic Affairs Council building, where they were questioned separately.
