Jalaluddin denies plot to oust Negeri Sembilan MB, says no-confidence vote never discussed

Negri Sembilan Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias has denied plans to oust Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim through a vote of no confidence. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Saturday, 07 Nov 2026 3:27 PM MYT

SEREMBAN, Nov 7 — Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias has denied plotting to oust Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim, dismissing speculation that a vote of no confidence was being planned amid uncertainty over the state’s political leadership.

Jalaluddin said no such move had been discussed at a meeting of the state Umno leadership today, insisting that claims of rival factions within the party were unfounded.

According to Utusan Malaysia, Jalaluddin was speaking after a Negeri Sembilan Umno liaison committee meeting at Wisma Umno in Seremban today.

“Have you heard me say I want to bring down the menteri besar? No. I made that clear at the meeting earlier.

“Even this morning, there were still claims that we would decide on a vote of no confidence against the menteri besar today, when there is no such thing. Please stop,” he said, according to the Malay-language daily.

His remarks came after Ismail declined to comment on speculation that Jalaluddin, the Pertang assemblyman and Jelebu MP, could replace him as menteri besar.

“As of today, I am still the menteri besar,” Ismail told reporters yesterday, offering no further comment on the claims surrounding his position.

Speculation about a possible leadership challenge surfaced last month when FMT reported, citing an unnamed source, that Negeri Sembilan Umno was considering a no-confidence motion against Ismail.

Jalaluddin denied the claim, while Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he would prevent any such move.

The latest speculation comes just three months after Ismail was sworn in on August 2, following a state election in which Barisan Nasional (BN) won 18 seats, Pakatan Harapan 11 and Perikatan Nasional (PN) seven.

Jalaluddin also rejected suggestions that separate camps had emerged within Negeri Sembilan Umno, including factions allegedly aligned with him and Ismail.

He said assemblymen should put aside perceptions of internal divisions and focus on their responsibilities to voters.

He urged state leaders to support one another rather than engage in disputes that could distract from the administration’s work.

Addressing questions about his audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, Jalaluddin said the meeting had taken place at the ruler’s request.

He said he would comply whenever summoned by the ruler, both as a party leader and as a subject.

Jalaluddin expressed hope that the state’s political tensions could be resolved soon if all parties worked towards unity.