I already had plans, says Jalaluddin after skipping MB swearing-in

Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias declined to elaborate on his absence from the state's new menteri besar swearing-in ceremony, citing prior engagements. The Pertang assemblyman had only learned of the event at 4.50am, having already arranged to attend another affair. Ismail Lasim, the Juasseh assemblyman, was sworn in as the new menteri besar by Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, the state's ruler, earlier that day.

Jalaluddin, who was a frontrunner for the top post, emphasized that his main objective was securing the state election victory. He expressed that the priority now was for Barisan Nasional to govern the state and fulfill the promises in its election manifesto. DAP vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan criticized the absence of key figures, urging all parties to respect the Yang Dipertuan Besar's authority in appointing the menteri besar.