{
  "id": 18624025,
  "title": "\"I am still the menteri besar,' says Ismail amid replacement speculation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/i-am-still-the-menteri-besar-says-ismail-amid-replacement-speculation",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T02:27:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1572628/i-am-still-menteri-besar-says-ismail-amid-replacement-speculation"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Negri Sembilan's Chief Minister Datuk Ismail Lasim has dismissed rumors of his replacement by Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias. Ismail, who also represents the Juasseh assemblyman, affirmed his position as the menteri besar, asserting there was no intention of him stepping down from the role. After attending the Little India Deepavali Bazaar Carnival, he addressed speculation linking Jalaluddin, the Pertang assemblyman, to the top post. He also avoided commenting on the opposition's claim of a possible postponement of the state legislative assembly sitting on November 26, urging all parties to focus on the upcoming Deepavali celebrations. The state government has allocated RM70,000 for the carnival, which will include contributions to the Indian community in rural areas. Ismail revealed the government's plan to discuss gazetting the Little India area to boost tourism, with the proposal to be detailed with the Seremban City Council mayor. About 7,000 visitors are expected at the Negri Sembilan-level Deepavali open house at the Seremban City Council hall on November 14. Diverse dishes representing the state's various communities and cultures, particularly traditional Indian food, will be served to visitors. The government invites all Negri Sembilan residents to attend the Deepavali celebrations in large numbers, aiming to foster goodwill and strengthen inter-community ties.",
  "summary": "SEREMBAN: Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has declined to comment on speculation that he would be replaced by Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}