Ismail Lasim denies reports he will resign as Negri Sembilan MB

SEREMBAN: Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has denied reports that he will resign soon to make way for someone else amid the ongoing constitutional crisis in the state.

Ismail, who is also the Juasseh assemblyman, described the claim circulating on social media as merely "political games" by certain quarters.

"Just political games... It is not true. I am not resigning," he said briefly when contacted this morning.

Earlier, a Chinese-language portal reported that Ismail would sign a letter of resignation.

The report, headlined "Ismail Lasim has signed his resignation letter", also highlighted the ongoing administrative crisis involving the palace, which has yet to show signs of being resolved.

Ismail's press secretary, Mohd Fasha Musthafa, also denied the report, describing it as untrue.

"The menteri besar is carrying out his duties as usual. The report (claim) is untrue," he said.

Yesterday, Negri Sembilan Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias called on all parties to give the state leadership room to resolve the matter.

The former senior executive councillor under the Pakatan Harapan administration said there was no need for concern as the crisis was expected to be resolved soon.

On Sept 20, Istana Seri Menanti announced that the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, had revoked the appointments of 10 executive councillors appointed by Ismail.

The development came after Ismail was reported to have signed a proclamation seeking to remove Tuanku Muhriz from the throne on Aug 3, a day after he was sworn in as Menteri Besar.

Ismail also came under the spotlight after Tuanku Muhriz openly reprimanded him following Friday prayers at Masjid Kampung Beting, Juasseh, Kuala Pilah, last week.