N Sembilan rebel chieftains 'prove' MB backed ruler's ouster, Ismail only denies Zahid's involvement

 

A group of disputed Negeri Sembilan territorial chieftains, who have been pushing to change the state ruler, has presented documentary evidence that Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim had signed a document affirming their decision to sack Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as Yang di-Pertuan Besar.

During a press conference late last night, three of the disputed Undang Yang Empat showed that Ismail (above) had signed the document on Aug 3, a day after he took the oath as menteri besar before Tuanku Muhriz.

However, Sinar Harian noted that the menteri besar's seal was not affixed to the document.

Legal observers have said that the menteri besar's signature is one key to fulfilling the undang's move to oust the state ruler as per their powers under Article 10 of the Negeri Sembilan constitution.

The other key component, it was argued, was that Tuanku Muhriz needed to be accorded due process before he could be sacked.

Ismail's predecessor Aminuddin Harun had refused to sign off on the proclamation, leading to the prolonged imbroglio about the state royalty.

The chieftain's presser last night came after The Straits Times published a report yesterday, citing sources saying that Ismail had signed the document affirming the decision under duress and had lodged a police report over the matter.

Top Umno leaders involved?

The report also alleged that top Umno leaders including president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and information chief Azalina Othman Said were present at the meeting between Ismail, the rebel chieftains and rival claimant to the throne, Tuanku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Jaafar.

It further alleged that the Umno leadership has been working together with the undang group who want Tuanku Muhriz out.

In response to The Straits Times report, Ismail issued a statement denying Zahid's involvement in any efforts to topple Tuanku Muhriz.

However, he did not deny signing the document affirming the undangs removal of the ruler.

To date, Ismail has only stated that he remained loyal to Tuanku Muhriz, but has made no mention of the document in question. - Mkini