Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister and UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will meet Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim to seek clarification over the latter's claim that he was forced to sign an Instrument of Proclamation to remove the state's ruler.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid stated that the meeting is set to occur during the ongoing UMNO General Assembly 2026, which continues until Saturday. Ahmad Zahid expressed his lack of clarity regarding the situation, as he was not present during the alleged signing event. He emphasized the necessity of meeting with Ismail during the assembly to obtain a full explanation, indicating that he would allocate time for this crucial discussion.

Ismail had previously clarified that his signature on the Instrument of Proclamation was obtained under duress, rendering the document invalid, unconstitutional, and unenforceable. He has since filed a police report to initiate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the signing.

Reports indicate that Ismail signed the Instrument of Proclamation on August 3, a day after assuming office, under Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959. The document, reportedly bearing his signature, gained attention following a press conference on Tuesday.