Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has urged the Conference of Rulers and the federal and Kelantan governments to give serious attention to the "palace crisis" with the deposed Sultan asserting his right to the throne.

Tengku Razaleigh produced a letter hand-written by Sultan Ismail Petra (photo) who said that he was still ruler of the state.

NONE The letter dated Nov 27 read: "This is my statement to the people of Kelantan and the world.

"The latest developments have raised doubts about my status.

"Therefore, with this, I clarify my real position.

"I am the sultan and sovereign ruler of Kelantan Darul Naim."

Tengku Razaleigh himself pledged his loyalty to Sultan Ismail Petra and regarded the installation of Ismail's eldest son as sultan as contrary to the constitution.

He questioned the amendment to the Kelantan constitution that was "suddenly introduced" by the Regent, Tengku Muhammad Faris, which paved the way for him to succeed his father, who was recuperating from a stroke, last September.

The amendment states that the sultan shall cease to be ruler if he is incapacitated for more than a year.

In his hand-written letter, Sultan Ismail Petra said: "I have not lost the capacity to continue to be sultan and sovereign ruler of Kelantan Darul Naim and carry out my duties under the constitution."

Tengku Razaleigh said that doctors had confirmed that Sultan Ismail Petra was sufficiently recovered to be able to carry out his duties, although he could not yet walk.

He believed that if a sultan could be so easily ousted in Kelantan the same could happen in any other state in the country.

Tengku Razaleigh said the situation was confusing the people and could destabilise the state.

- Bernama