PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias has dismissed allegations that he is attempting to oust the state's newly-appointed Mentri Besar, Datuk Ismail Lasim.
Describing the claims as baseless and illogical, he said Barisan Nasional had only just secured victory in the Negri Sembilan state election, and there was no reason for the coalition to create unnecessary political instability by challenging Ismail's leadership.
"What problem is there? We have just won the election. Why would we want to bring down the Mentri Besar?" he said.
Jalaluddin, who retained the Pertang state seat in the Aug 1 polls, said all parties should now put the election behind them and rally behind the new administration to ensure the state government can function effectively.
He urged political leaders to give Ismail the space to carry out his responsibilities without hindrance or speculation.
Jalaluddin also denied suggestions that he was disappointed after not being chosen as Mentri Besar or that he was seeking a position in the new state executive council.
He said his priority was ensuring BN won in the state election.
On the formation of the state executive council, Jalaluddin said he had not lobbied for a post and preferred to see younger leaders being given the opportunity to contribute fresh ideas and energy to the state administration.
Ismail, who won the Juasseh state seat, was sworn in as the new Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar after Barisan secured 18 of the state's 36 seats in the election, which enabled the coalition to form the state government with a two-thirds majority.
