DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has rejected claims that external parties influenced the appointment of Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim, describing the allegations as a reflection of a lack of understanding of political procedures.
Zahid, who is also BN chairman and Umno president, said it was his constitutional and political responsibility as the coalition’s national leader to submit the official letter and proposed candidate names to the palace for the appointment process.
"I do not want to entertain the 'ramblings of someone' who does not understand the political reality that names must be submitted to the palace, and as BN chairman, I must submit the letter and the proposed name.
"If my role as BN chairman at the national level is considered that of an outsider, then it is clear that such a perception stems from the person making the claim," he said at a press conference after attending the monthly assembly of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) on Thursday.
Separately, Zahid claimed that several officers from his ministry had faced pressure from senior government figures after attending BN-related programmes during campaigning for the recent Negeri Sembilan state election.
He alleged that some officers had been questioned over their attendance at the events, which he said may have been viewed as participation in political activities.
Under Malaysia’s public service regulations, civil servants are required to maintain political neutrality and are prohibited from engaging in political activities. However, Zahid maintained that the officers were present in their official capacity.
"I know some of you before me here had been summoned (for questioning), probably facing pressure because of the political conflict," he said during the ministry’s monthly assembly.
"What is wrong with the officers attending ministry events, when coincidentally they are held in states holding elections? What is wrong with this? Don’t punish them just because they are loyal to the government of the day," he added.
Zahid also issued a cautionary message to what he described as "those above", urging them to consider the potential consequences of pressuring civil servants involved in official government programmes.
"To those above, please remember," he said. - August 6, 2026
