KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 9 -- Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied claims that Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has submitted his resignation amid a dispute involving the state's royal institution.

The Star reported that Ahmad Zahid rejected the claim when approached by reporters at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.

"That did not happen," he said when asked about reports that Ismail had resigned.

Ahmad Zahid also denied being present at an alleged meeting where Ismail was purportedly made to sign a proclamation seeking the removal of Negri Sembilan Ruler Tuanku Muhriz Munawir.

"I was not there. Ismail himself has denied this," he said.

He said lawyers who were present during the alleged signing ...