Turbulent tenure expected for new Negeri Sembilan MB
Ismail Lasim has been sworn in as the new menteri besar of Negeri Sembilan, but faces a challenging tenure due to internal Umno dissent. Analysts suggest that while his position is currently stable due to the ruler's appointment and political optics, he may face significant leadership challenges after the next general election.
Why it matters
The internal instability within Umno in Negeri Sembilan could impact the broader political cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional.
Seven-term assemblyman Ismail Lasim was sworn in as Negeri Sembilan menteri besar on Sunday, but several assemblymen missed the ceremony, including state Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Newly appointed Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Ismail Lasim is likely to have a difficult time leading the state government, with an analyst anticipating moves within Umno to undermine the political veteran’s position.
Akademi Nusantara’s Azmi Hassan said the fact that several Umno assemblymen failed to show up for his swearing-in signalled the risk of some internal power-grabbing stemming from the unexpected nature of Ismail’s appointment.
Azmi pointed out that many did not see Ismail as one of the frontrunners for the menteri besar’s post despite his many decades of experience in governance.
“His name was never mentioned in discussions on who was the ‘menteri besar designate’ for Barisan Nasional, in working with Perikatan Nasional.
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