SEREMBAN: Negri Sembilan Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said he was unable to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new Mentri Besar on Sunday as he had received the invite late.
Jalaluddin, who was a senior exco in the previous government and widely tipped to be appointed to the post, said he only received the invite to the event at 4.50am on the morning of the swearing-in.
"I received the notice from the protocol unit at 4.50am.
"It was a very last-minute thing and I just could not attend," he said.
Jalaluddin, who successfully defended his Pertang seat, said he only read the notice on his mobile phone after morning Subuh prayers.
He said he had also made prior arrangements to attend another programme on the morning of the swearing-in.
Juasseh assemblyman Datuk Ismail Lasim was sworn in as the ninth Mentri Besar before the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir at 11am on Sunday (Aug 2).
The ceremony took place at the Istana Besar in Seri Menanti, Kuala Pilah.
Jalaluddin was conspicuously missing at the event, which led to talk that he had deliberately boycotted the event.
Also present at the ceremony were the Undang of Sg Ujong Datuk Muhammad Faris Johari and Undang Rembau Datuk Hassan Ab Hamid.
Ismail, when asked after his swearing-in why some assemblymen were not present, said they must have received the invite late or had other commitments.
Jalauddin said what was more important now was for Barisan Nasional to realise the pledges made in its election manifesto.
"We can now administer Negri Sembilan well after receiving a two-thirds mandate from the people.
"So our responsibility now as the MB, excos and assemblymen is to ensure we fulfil our pledges made to the people," he said.
Jalauddin said the performance of the new government should be better than the previous one.
He said he had no reason to be disappointed as his main objective for the state polls had been achieved.
"My intention for us to take over the administration from the previous government has been achieved, so what is there to be upset about?
"I am grateful to the Almighty for this success," he added.
On late Saturday, Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he had submitted three nominees for the post of Mentri Besar to Tuanku Muhriz after an audience.
He added that the Ruler holds absolute discretion in appointing the new Mentri Besar.
