Former Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Said is a known Umno fighter and will not leave the party, said Permaisuri assemblyperson Mohd Jidin Shafie.

Although some view Ahmad as the source of the state’s problems, this was proven wrong when the Kijal assemblyperson attended the legislative assembly seating today without causing any disturbance, said Mohd Jidin.

He added that all 17 Umno/BN state representatives were present today, putting an end to speculation that some of them would boycott the sitting.

“There were assumptions that Ahmad would not come today and he would bring a no-confidence motion. However, none of that happened. Ahmad came and there was no motion. Hence, this ends the imbroglio.

“The allegations made are incorrect as today all 17 came. Hence what should we say? Ahmad is an Umno member, a fighter in the party, a former MB and state liason chief and a former supreme council member,” he said.

He added that Ahmad is a simple, soft-hearted person who loves Umno.

The Permaisuri assemblyperson said this when met after the state legislative assembly seating at Wisma Darul Iman, Kuala Terengganu today.

Mohd Jidin is said to be among those favoured to be the next menteri besar if Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman is removed.

Mohd Jidin who is also the Housing and Local Government exco member, said several BN assemblypersons met Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on Saturday to discuss the present uncertainty in the state.

However, he did not reveal what transpired, and only said that Najib, the Umno president, is always open to meeting state representatives.

“A big delegation met Najib on Saturday. We met him and discussed to get his views. We may see him again. The PM is very open. Despite his busy schedule or that he was already late, he will meet us,” said Mohd Jidin.

However, Malaysiakini has learnt that Ahmad was not called to meet Najib.

When asked whether Ahmad would leave Umno, Mohd Jidin said it would only happen if he was sacked from the party.

He maintained that the relationship between Ahmad Razif and Ahmad is also good.

Banners in support of Razif

Earlier, cries of "Hidup MB" greeted Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif as he arrived at Wisma Darul Iman in Kuala Terengganu for the state assembly sitting about 9.20am today.

The crowd of around 100 people were from NGO Pertubuhan Amal Maaruf Peribumi (KAMP).

They started gathering there from about 8.30am and carried banners carrying the words 'Kami menyokong penuh kepimpinan Ahmad Razif. #respekmyMB' (We fully support Ahmad Razif's leadership).

Others raised placards that read 'Hidup MB. Teruskan T.T.B (Transformasi Terengganu Baru)' (Long live MB. Continue transforming the new Terengganu).

Dressed in a purple baju Melayu, Ahmad Razif shook hands with the crowd before entering the building.

Ahmad Said (photo) arrived shortly after. When asked whether he would once again file a no-confidence motion against Ahmad Razif, he smiled and said: "How would I know?"

A spokesperson from Ahmad Razif's support group, Ahmad Shukri Abdullah, later told Malaysiakini that their only intention was to show support for the menteri besar.

"We came to show support for Ahmad Razif as our menteri besar.

"We, as an NGO, should show full support for our menteri besar because we see that his leadership is the best for us," Ahmad Shukri said, adding that Ahmad Razif should be allowed to continue with the planned developments for the state.

Extra security measures were enforced at the state assembly today, with additional police personnel deployed.

According to a security guard on duty, police are taking over their task of conducting security checks for today.

"I don't know why (there are many police personnel present) but I believe it is only for today's sitting," the security guard said.

All eyes are on the Terengganu state assembly session today after word continued to spread about a snap election in the state, triggered by the brewing crisis between Ahmad and Ahmad Razif.

The sitting of the state assembly began as scheduled at 9.30am, with all the assemblypersons present, expect for the member for Rhu Rendang, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

After the formal opening, Bernama reported, the session was adjourned until 11.20am.