NEGERI Sembilan UMNO chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias has dismissed speculation that his absence from the swearing-in ceremony of the new Menteri Besar reflected disappointment, explaining that he was unable to attend after receiving the invitation at the last minute.
Jalaluddin, who is also the Pertang assemblyman, said the invitation from the state protocol office arrived at 4.50am on the day of the ceremony, after he had already made arrangements to attend another programme in his constituency.
"That invitation came at the last minute. I received it at 4.50am from the state protocol office.
"I only opened and read it after performing the dawn prayers, by which time I had already arranged another programme in my constituency that required my presence," he said when contacted on Monday.
His explanation came after his absence from the installation and swearing-in ceremony of Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar at Istana Besar Seri Menanti in Kuala Pilah sparked speculation and questions among members of the public, particularly on social media.
Juasseh assemblyman Datuk Ismail Lasim was sworn in as the new Menteri Besar on Sunday before the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
The ceremony was witnessed by Tunku Ampuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin, Tunku Zain Al'Abidin, Undang Luak Sungei Ujong Datuk Muhammad Faris Johari, Undang Luak Rembau Datuk Hassan Ab Hamid and UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Earlier, Ismail dismissed speculation that the absence of several assemblymen indicated internal issues, saying invitations had been issued by the State Secretary's Office but some representatives may have had existing commitments due to the short notice.
Jalaluddin said the priority now was to ensure BN's commitments to voters were fulfilled following the coalition's success in securing a two-thirds majority in the state election.
"Negeri Sembilan can now be governed properly after the people gave us a two-thirds mandate in the state election.
"It is now the responsibility of all of us as elected representatives, together with the Menteri Besar and the executive council members, to ensure every manifesto pledge made to the people is fulfilled.
"Our administration must be many times better than that of Pakatan Harapan," said the former senior state executive councillor.
He also rejected suggestions that he was unhappy over the outcome of events, insisting that his main objective during the state election had already been achieved.
"There is no sense of disappointment or despair in me because my main objective in the state election has been accomplished.
"My main goal was to take over the administration of Negeri Sembilan, which was in disarray, and the people have given us that mandate. So why should I feel disappointed or lose hope?
"I am immensely grateful to Allah SWT for this success," he said. - August 3, 2026
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