Kuala lumpur: Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim's assertion that he was compelled to sign an "instrument of proclamation" requires verification by the lawyer present during the signing, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated. He emphasized that this step would be crucial in validating the Menteri Besar's claims of duress.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who also leads the UMNO party, expressed that the party intends to maintain respect for the royal and undang institutions, as well as the customs in Negeri Sembilan, by not intervening in the matter. He suggested that the lawyer's confirmation of the circumstances surrounding the signing would be beneficial. Ahmad Zahid mentioned the possibility of an upcoming press conference to address the issue.

The comment from Ahmad Zahid followed Ismail's allegation of being coerced into signing the document, an action Ismail reported to the police. Ahmad Zahid also clarified that he was not present during the signing and refuted claims about receiving Ismail's resignation letter. Ismail had previously clarified that his signing of the proclamation, which gained widespread attention through a media statement, was not voluntary and occurred under pressure. He further reported the incident to the authorities for investigation.