Negeri sembilan: Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim today pledged that the state government would continue to uphold the royal institution and preserve the state's customs and traditions as fundamental pillars of its administration.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ismail emphasized that safeguarding the royal institution was the responsibility of every Negeri Sembilan citizen and remained essential to maintaining harmony and close relations between the monarchy and the state administration. "As citizens of Negeri Sembilan, it is our duty. First, we must understand the state's customs and traditions, and secondly, we must honour and uphold the royal institution in Negeri Sembilan," he said.
He further stressed the importance of finding appropriate ways to minimize conflicts and related issues as part of their responsibility. Ismail made these remarks during a press conference after taking the oath of office as Menteri Besar.
The Juasseh assemblyman stated that this commitment aligns with the state government's administrative principles, which prioritize the people's interests and the state's stability. Meanwhile, Ismail highlighted the state government's intention to strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government to ensure the interests and well-being of the people of Negeri Sembilan remained a priority.
He noted that there was nothing unusual about maintaining cooperation as Barisan Nasional (BN) remained part of the Unity Government at the federal level. "BN, which forms part of the Negeri Sembilan government, is still a component of the Unity Government at the federal level. I see nothing unusual in continuing this cooperation for the benefit of the people of Negeri Sembilan," he added.
Regarding existing plans and policies introduced by the previous administration, Ismail stated that those benefiting the people should be maintained and further improved. "I believe good policies should not be discontinued. They should continue as long as they remain focused on serving the interests of the people," he mentioned.
Earlier, Ismail was sworn in as Menteri Besar before the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, at Istana Besar Seri Menanti after receiving the Ruler's consent to lead the new state administration.