Negeri sembilan: Negeri Sembilan UMNO liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias has urged party leaders at all levels and the people of the state to give their full support to newly appointed Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim to ensure the smooth administration of the state government.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Pertang assemblyman emphasized that all parties should set aside their differences and unite to ensure the state government could be administered effectively without any disruption. He called on state, division, and branch leaders to reunite their efforts and fully support the new Menteri Besar, thereby allowing for effective management and administration.

Jalaluddin advised placing trust in the Menteri Besar to determine the direction and style of his administration, urging members not to interfere but to give him the space to carry out his responsibilities. He expressed no personal disappointment, noting that his goal of securing a victory for Barisan Nasional (BN) in the recent State Election had been achieved.

Regarding the formation of the State Executive Council (Exco), Jalaluddin mentioned that he did not offer himself for appointment, opting instead to allow younger leaders the opportunity to serve. He reflected on his extensive experience as a former elected representative and senior state executive councillor, expressing confidence in the ability of younger leaders to introduce fresh ideas and new approaches to the state administration.

Jalaluddin highlighted that as Negeri Sembilan UMNO's top leader, the party had worked to field BN's best, young, and capable candidates in the state election, now giving them the chance to participate in the State Executive Council.

Ismail, who secured the Juasseh state seat in the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election, was sworn in as the new Menteri Besar before the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, at Istana Besar Seri Menanti yesterday. A total of 36 state seats were contested in the election, with BN winning 18 seats and Perikatan Nasional (PN) securing seven, allowing the two coalitions to form the state government with a two-thirds majority.