Zahid asks Ismail to meet Tuanku Muhriz, undangs to resolve crisis

Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has asked Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Ismail Lasim to seek an audience with Yang Dipertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir and the four undangs to resolve the state’s ongoing crisis.

Zahid said he had also asked Ismail to meet the other state chieftains to look for an amicable solution that fulfils the Negeri Sembilan constitution and customs.

“Most importantly, the people must be prioritised. Whatever has happened, has happened. Now, we should look for the best way to resolve the crisis.

“We definitely do not want the situation to worsen and for the people to be victimised by this,” he said at a press conference at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.

Zahid also acknowledged Tuanku Muhriz’s sacking of the 10 state executive council members, and said the state government’s priority should be to ensure it can continue to perform its duties for the people.

The Umno president said he would meet all 25 Negeri Sembilan assemblymen from BN and Perikatan Nasional at Menara Dato Onn tonight to discuss options for resolving the crisis.

Zahid maintained that he was not seeking to interfere in the running of the state government but simply wanted to resolve the issue amicably.

Last week, the Negeri Sembilan exco issued a statement purportedly affirming Tuanku Muhriz’s removal as Yang Dipertuan Besar. Ismail endorsed the statement a day later.

However, the Attorney-General’s Chambers said the statement was invalid as the menteri besar and exco do not have the authority to make such a declaration.

Tuanku Muhriz later revoked the appointments of the exco members for breaching their oaths of office and pledge of allegiance to the state ruler.

Ismail had disputed their sackings but police barred the exco members from entering their offices on Thursday.