KUALA PILAH: Datuk Ismail Lasim has pledged to honour the trust and confidence placed in him by the people of Negri Sembilan by carrying out his administrative responsibilities fairly, transparently and effectively.
The newly-appointed Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar said the mandate given by the people in the state election was a great responsibility, which he accepted with humility and gratitude.
“The people’s trust is not merely an honour, but a call to prove that the government entrusted with the mandate will work diligently and listen to the people’s aspirations.
“I give my assurance the trust and confidence placed in me will be safeguarded and upheld to the best of my ability.
“Together with the entire state leadership, I will strive to build a government that listens, serves and works for the well-being of the people and the progress of the state,” he said.
Ismail said this in his oath of allegiance speech at his swearing-in ceremony as Mentri Besar before the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, at Istana Besar Seri Menanti.
Ismail, who is also the state Umno information chief, was sworn in as the ninth Mentri Besar, following Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional’s victory in Saturday’s polls.
He also pledged to uphold the sovereignty of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, preserve the dignity of the royal institution and defend the principles of the Federal and Negri Sembilan Constitutions.
“I will also always uphold Your Highness’ decrees, advice, views and guidance in carrying out all matters and responsibilities of the state administration, in line with the spirit of the constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He also said he would ensure that all state government policies and actions remained people-centric, grounded in justice, guided by integrity and implemented transparently and responsibly.
The state’s development would continue in a sustainable, comprehensive and inclusive manner so that progress could be enjoyed by all, whether in urban or rural areas, he added.
When met by reporters later, Ismail said the state exco line-up should be decided by Friday, and he would meet Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for advice on the matter.
“I hope to get the line-up ready by Friday to be presented to Tuanku Muhriz for his consent,” he told reporters at his first press conference as Mentri Besar.
He said the exco line-up will include assemblymen from Barisan and Perikatan Nasional.
Barisan won 25 seats while Perikatan won 11 in Saturday’s polls.
Both parties had formed a political pact before the polls to ensure that they did not face each other in the election.
Asked if there would be new portfolios, Ismail said he has not thought about it yet.
However, he said he would keep the number of exco members at 10.
Asked on the absence of some Umno assemblymen at his swearing-in, Ismail said they probably had prior commitments.
“Today’s ceremony was only decided late last night. Those unable to attend must have made other plans for this morning (yesterday),” he said.
Asked if he anticipates any problems working with the Federal Government, Ismail said there should not be any as it is a unity government with Barisan in it.
Earlier, he declared today (Aug 3) a state holiday with the consent of the Ruler.
“This is to express our gratitude to all who had participated and worked hard during the recent campaign for the state election.”
