Negeri Sembilan MB to face no-confidence vote?

Pahang Umno is contemplating a motion of no confidence against Negeri Sembilan's new menteri besar, Ismail Lasim, during the upcoming state assembly meeting, according to a source. Jalaluddin Alias, the Pertang assemblyman and state Umno chief, would table the motion, though the final decision lies with central Umno leadership. If the motion proceeds, a new executive council lineup could also be announced.

FMT has contacted Jalaluddin for comment. The state assembly is set to convene again on Nov 26, following its postponement from Oct 16 to make way for the unveiling of the state's 2027 budget the following day. State assembly speaker Awaludin Said has not received any formal notice of the no-confidence motion against Ismail and will not entertain an emergency motion to remove him.

Ismail Lasim took office on Aug 2, following the state election where Barisan Nasional secured 18 seats, Pakatan Harapan 11, and Perikatan Nasional seven. His leadership has been fraught with controversy, including a constitutional crisis over attempts to remove Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang Di Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

Following the public disclosure of the former Yang Dipertuan Besar's removal proclamation on Sept 8, Ismail Lasim claimed he had signed it under duress and lodged a police report. In September 15, Negeri Sembilan exco members released a statement asserting that Tuanku Muhriz's removal in April was valid, designating Tunku Nadzaruddin as the new ruler.

Ismail subsequently endorsed the exco statement and authorized the state secretary to gazette the proclamation. Tuanku Muhriz subsequently invalidated the exco's appointments, save for Ismail Lasim's. Recently, the ten former exco members initiated a legal challenge in court, seeking to declare the revocation invalid.