In a meeting cloaked in secrecy, embattled Terengganu Mentri Besar-designate Datuk Ahmad Said had an audience with the Sultan of Terengganu, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, this morning at Istana Terengganu in Jalan Kia Peng here. Ahmad’s arrival and departure from the Istana Terengganu here where the meeting was held went unseen by the Press.

It is learnt that he left the palace at 12.35pm via an alternative exit to escape reporters who had been waiting to speak to him. All attempts to contact Ahmad were unsuccessful but it is understood that the purpose of the meeting is related to the current impasse over the appointment of the new MB following the general election.

Ahmad, it is learnt, was instructed by the Federal Government not to make Press statements due to "security reasons."

When the media arrived at Istana Terengganu at 11.15am, they were informed that Ahmad was already inside waiting for Tuanku Mizan, who is also the yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Tuanku Mizan’s limousine arrived at 11.35 am, accompanied by escort cars and police outriders. Apart from a heavily-tinted blue Proton Perdana which exited the palace at 1.22pm, no other cars were seen entering or leaving the premises.
Finally at 1.37pm, the King’s limousine emerged from the palace gates, signalling that the meeting was over. Palace security personnel informed the Press that Ahmad had indeed been inside all the while but left through another exit.

Ahmad went into the bind after he accepted the appointment by Tuanku Mizan to replace Idris as Mentri Besar, despite warnings from State Umno leaders that acceptance was tantamount to a sacking. Even Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who endorsed Idris, gave a similar warning.

However, Ahmad is adamant that his appointment had the support of some of the 22 assemblymen although he won't identify them. He is expected to sworn-in as MB on Wednesday.

However, Pas has opposed the Government's interpretation of the events, citing full support of the move by the Terengganu palace to appoint Ahmad as MB.

"The palace's decision is in accordance with the real wishes of the people of Terengganu," Pas president Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang said today.

Later in the afternoon, Ahmad returned home to Teluk Kalong in Kemaman where he was given a vociferous welcome by jubilant supporters who also escorted him in a convoy to his house 10km away.

Declaring that he will begin his work as MB tomorrow, he said he never dreamed that he would lead Terengganu. ”It is Allah’s will,” the Kemaman Umno division chief said.

In KUALA TERENGGANU, police warned all parties affected by the controversial appointment not to attend or hold any illegal gathering.

Terengganu police chief Datuk Ayub Yaakob said that no permit had been issued for any quarters to hold a gathering.

While confirming that the situation across the state remained under control, he urged the respective leaders and supporters to remain calm and avoid any disruptive acts to prevent unwanted incidents.

“The police will not allow any gathering without a permit. We will not hesitate to take stern action on those who go against police order,” he told Bernama here.