Ismail puts off appointing new Negeri Sembilan exco

Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Ismail Lasim has put off appointing new state executive council members, pending the Federal Court’s ruling on a constitutional challenge regarding the sacking of his 10 former exco members.

Ismail said he wanted to wait for the apex court to decide on the validity of the revocation of the 10 former exco members’ appointments by the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

“We have brought the matter to court, so we will wait for the court process. There may be discussions, but I am not sure. We will see how things develop,” he was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia.

The Federal Court has fixed Dec 16 to hear the constitutional challenge.

The 10 former exco members lost their positions after Tuanku Muhriz revoked their appointments following their claims that his removal in April was legitimate and their assertion that Tunku Nadzaruddin Tuanku Ja’afar was the new ruler.

The palace regarded their actions as inconsistent with their oath of loyalty to the ruler and the royal institution.

Ismail also dismissed rumours that he would step down as menteri besar, insisting that he continued to enjoy the full support of the other 24 government assemblymen.

He said his immediate priority was to ensure that the state budget for 2027 could be tabled on Nov 27.

“These are all just rumours. There are indeed many rumours circulating, but I have the full support of the government assemblymen.

“The budget is important. I hope everyone will cooperate ahead of the state assembly sitting so that we can table and pass it.”

He said preparations for the state budget were in their final stages, with his administration set to hold another meeting soon to finalise it.

“We already have sufficient allocations and are now waiting for the consent of the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan before proceeding.”

Ismail also denied rumours that he planned to seek an audience with the Negeri Sembilan ruler this week.