Kuala lumpur: Barisan Nasional (BN) has expressed its gratitude to the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, for consenting to the appointment of Datuk Ismail Lasim as the state's new Menteri Besar.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir stated that the coalition also expressed its gratitude for Tuanku Muhriz's consent to the formation of the Negeri Sembilan state government through the cooperation between BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN). He emphasized BN's confidence in Ismail's experience, credibility, and leadership, which are deemed essential for leading the state administration in a stable manner while prioritizing the welfare and interests of all citizens, irrespective of race.

BN is hopeful that under Ismail's leadership, Negeri Sembilan will continue to progress with robust support from all parties. The coalition also aims for the new state government to strengthen unity, accelerate economic development, enhance the people's well-being, and ensure the state's prosperity for current and future generations.

Earlier, Ismail, who serves as the Juasseh state assemblyman, was sworn in as the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan before Tuanku Muhriz at a ceremony held at Istana Besar Seri Menanti in Negeri Sembilan.

During the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election, Ismail secured the Juasseh seat with a majority of 4,091 votes, defeating Mohd Aidil Abdullah of Pakatan Harapan and Mohd Zuhaimi Md Yusof of Bersatu. BN won 18 seats, while PN secured seven, allowing the two coalitions to form the state government with a two-thirds majority. The remaining 11 seats were won by Pakatan Harapan.