Zahid calls Rais' 'outside interference' claim on N Sembilan MB pick 'senility', rules out Harapan exco

BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed claims of “outside interference” in the appointment of the Negeri Sembilan menteri besar as the “senility” of someone who does not understand political realities.

In an apparent swipe at Parti Wawasan Negara chairperson Rais Yatim, who questioned Juasseh assemblyperson Ismail Lasim’s appointment as the state’s new menteri besar, Zahid said he would not entertain such allegations.

“I do not want to entertain the senility of someone who does not understand the political reality that names must be submitted to the palace.

“As the BN chairperson, naturally I need to submit the credential letter as well as proposed names,” Berita Harian quoted the rural and regional development minister as saying today after attending his ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya.

Rais, a former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar and scholar of the Minangkabau customary law, Adat Perpatih, questioned a meeting between Zahid and the Negeri Sembilan Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir before Ismail’s appointment, noting that its details were never disclosed.

The veteran politician, who was appointed chief legal adviser to the state’s highest adat authorities on April 2, also questioned whether the Undang Yang Empat, or territorial chieftains, were consulted before the appointment.

Parti Wawasan Negara chairperson Rais Yatim

Ismail was sworn in before Tuanku Muhriz at the Seri Menanti palace on Aug 2, a day after BN and electoral partner Perikatan Nasional won 25 of the state’s 36 seats, securing a two-thirds majority. Pakatan Harapan won the remaining 11.

BN linchpin Umno swept all 16 seats it contested, while MCA won two. PN secured seven seats, comprising four won by PAS and three by Wawasan Negara, led by former Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin.

Rais, whose two state titles were revoked before the polls, is known to back Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar, who was proclaimed Tuanku Muhriz’s replacement during a contested ceremony in June.

The State Comptroller of the Royal Household, Azizi Ali, later said the ceremony was invalid as it was not recognised by the state constitution, laws, and customs.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said the federal government continues to uphold Tuanku Muhriz’s authority, citing a Seremban High Court injunction preserving the status quo.

No Harapan excos

Meanwhile, Zahid today dismissed speculation that Harapan assemblypersons could be appointed to the Negeri Sembilan executive council.

“It will never happen,” he said.

BN assemblypersons rejected similar speculation yesterday.

Linggi assemblyperson Faizal Ramli said the claims were aimed at driving a wedge between BN and PN, while Lenggeng assemblyperson Asna Amin said appointing Harapan representatives to the state executive council would betray the voters’ mandate. - Mkini