Kuala lumpur: The lineup of the Negeri Sembilan state cabinet, or executive council, is expected to be finalised by this Friday at the latest, said newly appointed Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim. He mentioned that discussions with the Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership would precede the presentation of the proposed lineup to the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, for approval.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ismail plans to meet UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi soon to seek his insights on the composition of the state executive council, which may include state elected representatives from Perikatan Nasional (PN). He emphasized the goal of completing the formation of the EXCO by this week, ideally by Friday, to align with the preference of Tuanku Muhriz for a swift resolution.
Ismail highlighted the necessity of forming a government that includes State Assembly members from Barisan Nasional, encompassing those from UMNO and component parties MCA and MIC. He communicated this during his first press conference after being sworn in as Menteri Besar, where he also mentioned that the preferred structure for the EXCO would retain a 10-member format, similar to previous administrations.
He stated that discussions regarding the appointment of EXCO members and the distribution of portfolios would follow consultations with party leadership. The potential inclusion of Perikatan Nasional assemblymen in the EXCO lineup will also be a topic of discussion with UMNO president Ahmad Zahid.
Ismail affirmed that the welfare and well-being of the people would remain a top priority for the state government under his administration. He underscored the importance of focusing on the populace's well-being as a key pillar for the state administration, given that it is a government elected by the people.
In the recent Negeri Sembilan state election, Barisan Nasional (BN) secured 18 seats in the State Legislative Assembly, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) won seven. This outcome has enabled the two coalitions to form the state government with a two-thirds majority. A total of 36 state seats were contested, involving 103 candidates.