{
  "id": 16424575,
  "title": "‘I have not resigned’: Ismail Lasim dismisses exit rumours, says focus is on Negeri Sembilan Budget 2027",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/i-have-not-resigned-ismail-lasim-dismisses-exit-rumours-says-focus-is",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-25T03:55:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/25/i-have-not-resigned-ismail-lasim-dismisses-exit-rumours-says-focus-is-on-negeri-sembilan-budget-2027/240513"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Seremban, October 25 — Negeri Sembilan's Menteri Besar, Datuk Ismail Lasim, has firmly rejected rumors suggesting he is planning to resign. The Datuk emphasized that his primary focus remains on preparing the state's budget for 2027, which is anticipated to be presented towards the end of the coming month. After being approached by a Chinese-language newspaper that had reported a resignation letter purportedly signed by him, Ismail categorically denied the claims. \"The story is not authentic. I have not resigned. My full concentration is on Budget 2027,\" he asserted to Harian Metro (HM) during a recent interview. The Negeri Sembilan government is currently preoccupied with the task of crafting a budget that is expected to benefit the state's population of over 1.2 million residents and the approximately 6,000 civil servants serving under it. Ismail elaborated that his recent days have been occupied with numerous meetings, consultations with stakeholders, and the thorough examination of proposals along with feedback to aid in shaping the state's fiscal strategy. \"Our aim is to ensure that every resident and civil servant in the state derives the maximum advantage from this budget,\" he stated. Nonetheless, Ismail chose not to delve further into the speculation about his current situation.",
  "summary": "SEREMBAN, Oct 25 — Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has dismissed speculation that he is stepping...",
  "key_points": [
    "Ismail Lasim denies rumors of resignation",
    "Focus on preparing Negeri Sembilan Budget 2027",
    "Budget aims to benefit over 1.2 million residents"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Dismissing rumors of his departure allows the Menteri Besar to maintain political stability while prioritizing the fiscal planning necessary to support the state's residents and civil servants.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}