PUTRAJAYA, Sept 14 — Police have opened an investigation paper into Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim’s claim that he signed an instrument of proclamation with regard to the Yang di-Pertuan Besar against his will and under duress. 

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said further developments would be shared if there was progress in the investigation.

“The investigation paper has been opened and is still in progress. If there is any progress, as usual, we will share it with the media,” he told reporters after attending the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly here today.

Ismail was previously reported to have claimed that he was forced to sign the document before lodging a police report on September 8 to enable the authorities to conduct an investigation.

It was previously reported that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the claim needed to be verified by the lawyers who were present during the signing process to establish whether it had occurred.

The Umno president also said the party would not interfere and would fully respect the royal institution, laws and customs in Negeri Sembilan. — Bernama