September 22, 2026

New Malaysia Times

Malaysia news without ads & paywall

Zahid Denies Palace Summons Over Negeri Sembilan Exco Crisis

Zahid denies palace summons Negeri Sembilan exco

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has clarified that neither he nor Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim was summoned for an audience with Yang Dipertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir at Istana Negeri Sembilan.

Speaking at a press conference after officiating the University Research and Innovation Investment Summit 2026 (URIIS 2026), Ahmad Zahid addressed media reports surrounding the political developments in the state.

“No. Neither the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar nor I was ever summoned for an audience. We only learnt about it through the media,” Ahmad Zahid said.

He emphasized that the current political impasse in Negeri Sembilan requires a balanced resolution that respects constitutional frameworks alongside established state institutions.

“In my view, this is not merely a question of legal interpretation and powers. The institutions and establishment in Negeri Sembilan must also be respected,” he added.

His comments follow an audience between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Tuanku Muhriz at Istana Negeri Sembilan in Kuala Lumpur, which lasted nearly an hour.

The high-level meeting came after Tuanku Muhriz revoked the appointments of the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council members with immediate effect, citing a breach of their oaths of office.

Menteri Besar Ismail Lasim has since challenged the revocation, asserting that the dismissal of state executive councillors without the explicit advice or request of the Menteri Besar is legally flawed, unconstitutional, and without legal effect.

NMT