Ismail dismisses talk of MB succession

Negeri Sembilan's Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has firmly rejected suggestions that he might be replaced, reaffirming his position as the state's top executive. The comments came amid circulating rumors that Jelebu MP and Pertang assemblyman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias might be considered for the position. Ismail, speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Little India Seremban Deepavali Bazaar Carnival, expressed uncertainty about the speculation, stating that at present, he remains the menteri besar.

He did not delve into the details of the speculation, asserting that he was unaware of any developments related to a potential leadership change. The rumors emerged as Negeri Sembilan continues to contend with disputes involving its traditional institutions and state administration. Earlier, Ismail had ruled out any possibility of his resignation, asserting that he retained the backing of all 24 Barisan Nasional assemblymen.

He had also set November 26 as the date for the next state assembly meeting, with the state budget set to be presented the following day. However, Ismail awaited approval from the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan for the proposed dates. He also declined to comment on opposition assertions that the meeting could not take place without prior official notice, at least 28 days in advance.

Meanwhile, Jalaluddin, the liaison committee chairman for Negeri Sembilan UMNO, refuted allegations of divisions or factions within UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) in the state. He stated that claims of a "Jalaluddin faction" and an "Ismail Lasim faction" were merely attempts by certain parties to create discord among the state's party leadership.

The matter was reportedly discussed during a recent meeting with BN division heads and state assembly members, where consensus was reached that no such divisions exist within the organization. Ismail Lasim emphasized the unity and cohesion of UMNO in Negeri Sembilan, as well as within the BN, and that all parties agreed on the importance of their duties and responsibilities in carrying out the mandate entrusted to BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN) since August 1st.