The Terengganu state assembly speaker has rejected a no-confidence motion tabled by former menteri besar Ahmad Said against his successor Razif Abdul Rahman.

The speaker, Mohd Zubir Embong, announced this soon after the house reconvened following a recess.

Ahmad had tabled the motion under Article 14(6) of the state constitution which allows for a motion of no-confidence against the menteri besar.

He had also cited Clause 33(11) of the state assembly's standing orders which state that matters under the state constitution do not require a notice.

"If not (this vote of no-confidence) will never happen till kingdom come," Ahmad Said remarked.

Mohd Zubir, however, said that the speaker's consent was required if the 14-day notice was to be waived.

“I find that this motion has no urgency or that it must be debated without delay, and that a vote of no-confidence is not on the state administration or the responsibilities of the menteri besar but regarding the formation of the state government.

"I therefore find that this motion of no confidence is not covered by Clause 33 (notice waiver) and as such I reject this motion," Mohd Zubir said.

This sparked a protest among the opposition assemblyperson, including PKR Bandar assemblyperson Azan Ismail, who wanted the vote to be held.

Ahmad said the speaker's decision was not fair as there was a precedent for a sudden vote of no-confidence citing an incident in 1961 when three assemblypersons defected to BN and called for a vote against the then PAS government.

This motion succeeded and marked the beginning of Umno's control of Terengganu from 1961 until 1999.

Ahmad also rubbished concerns that a vote of no-confidence would result in BN losing Terengganu.

"BN can still rule (Terengganu), we have 17 seats. The question of the opposition or myself seizing power does not arise," he said.

Mad rush

Ahmad was removed as Terengganu menteri besar and replaced with Razif in 2014.

This prompted Ahmad to quit Umno together with Ajil state assemblyperson Ghazali Taib and Bukit Besi state assemblyperson Roslee Daud, triggering a crisis in the state.

The move prompted a mad rush to salvage the BN government in Terengganu with all the state's BN assemblypersons summoned to Putrajaya for a meeting with the prime minister.

Following the meeting, Razif declared the crisis averted and Ahmad's declaration of a truce followed hours later.

Ahmad himself rejoined Umno after Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak apologised for removing him so close to his daughter's wedding.

If Roslee and Ghazali still side with Ahmad, they together with the PAS and PKR assemblypersons have enough numbers to oust Razif.