SEREMBAN, Nov 7 — Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has refused to be drawn on speculation that he could be replaced by Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, saying he remains in office amid uncertainty over his political future.
The Juasseh assemblyman also declined to address Opposition claims that the state legislative assembly sitting scheduled for November 26 could be postponed.
“As of today, I am still the menteri besar,” Ismail told reporters last night, according to the New Straits Times.
He maintained that there was no question of him stepping down but offered no further comment on speculation linking Jalaluddin, the Pertang assemblyman and Jelebu MP, to the state’s top post.
Pressed on the possible postponement of the assembly sitting, Ismail again declined to elaborate.
“Let’s not get into that. This time, let’s celebrate Deepavali first,” he said.
The speculation comes just three months after Ismail was sworn in as menteri besar on August 2, following a state election that saw Barisan Nasional (BN) win 18 seats, Pakatan Harapan (PH) 11 and Perikatan Nasional (PN) seven.
The latest uncertainty comes as the state government has yet to finalise the appointment of its executive council, while questions remain over the scheduling of the next assembly sitting.
Last month, Jalaluddin, who chairs Negri Sembilan Umno, denied claims that he was planning to table a motion of no confidence against Ismail at the upcoming assembly sitting.
He said there had been no discussions about such a move and maintained that the state administration was functioning smoothly.
Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also said he would not allow a no-confidence motion against Ismail if such a proposal existed.
The assembly sitting, originally scheduled for October 16, was subsequently moved to November 26 to coincide with the planned tabling of the state’s 2027 budget the following day.
However, opposition representatives have raised concerns over whether the required 28-day notice period can be met.
Ismail previously said the proposed sitting dates remained subject to the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
