“Is it true you were forced to sign the proclamation on Aug 3? If so, who forced you?” Tengku Zafrul asked in a Facebook post today.

Earlier, Ismail claimed that he and the former state executive council had never made a decision to dethrone or appoint the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, but merely discussed the state administration's stance on the proclamation submitted as a decision of the Undang Yang Empat.

Tengku Zafrul said the issue was not a small matter as a Menteri Besar had claimed to have been forced to sign a document related to the Ruler's position, and had even lodged a police report over the matter.

He noted that Ismail was sworn in as Menteri Besar before Tuanku Muhriz on Aug 2, just a day before signing the Instrument of Proclamation regarding the abdication.

“However, more than a month after the signing, on Sept 6, Ismail still expressed his full support and loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz as the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

“On Sept 9, he said the signature on the proclamation was made unwillingly and under duress. The state government at the time took the stance that the proclamation did not meet the stipulated processes and procedures,” he added.

Tengku Zafrul also questioned what had changed that led to the state executive council meeting chaired by Ismail on Sept 15 reportedly taking the stance that the proclamation was valid and enforceable.

“What caused the change in stance? Were you also forced, as you claimed when signing the Proclamation? If there was pressure to change your stance, who was involved and who did you meet during that period?” he asked.

-- BERNAMA