No need for Ismail to resign despite missteps, say analysts

A leading political analyst has advised Negeri Sembilan's menteri besar Ismail Lasim to retain his position despite recent political missteps. According to Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara, Ismail continues to enjoy strong support from the grassroots in Negeri Sembilan, especially in Kuala Pilah, even though he is not as well-known at the national level.

Mazlan Ali, a political analyst from Universiti Teknologi Mara, suggested that it would be challenging for the Umno party to replace Ismail. He pointed out that Ismail's decisions in handling the dispute over Tuanku Muhriz's position, the Yang Dipertuan Besar, have been particularly difficult due to their impact on the monarchy and the palace.

Despite not being favored by the state Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias, Ismail has managed to accumulate a significant following among the Umno grassroots and within the party leadership. This, according to Azmi, gives him a solid foundation to continue serving as the state's menteri besar and maintaining control over the state administration.

The G25 group of retired civil servants had urged Ismail to resign due to his handling of the palace crisis, which involved signing a proclamation seeking Tuanku Muhriz's removal. However, Azmi believes that Ismail's ability to maintain strong backing among the Umno grassroots and the party's leadership makes his position as menteri besar untenable for replacement.