SEREMBAN: Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim says he still has the undivided support of all 24 government assemblymen and is focused on tabling the state budget on Nov 27.
Dismissing persistent talk of his impending resignation, Ismail stated that his administration is in the final stages of budget preparations and will not be distracted.
"There have been rumours going around, but I have the undivided support of the government assemblymen.
"The budget is critical. I hope all parties will cooperate leading up to the state assembly sitting so we can successfully table and pass it," he told reporters after visiting victims of a fire in Ampangan near here on Tuesday (Oct 27).
Ismail said state government employees, especially department heads, have also given their fullest cooperation in the preparation of the budget.
The members of his administration will meet one more time at the end of this month to finalise the budget, he added.
"We already have sufficient allocation and are now waiting for the consent of the state Ruler to proceed," he said.
Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir is scheduled to open the next assembly sitting on Nov 26.
Asked if the budget for next year would be higher than this year, Ismail said it should be similar.
Ismail also denied talk that he would seek an audience with the state Ruler this week.
"Where did you hear this from? There is no plan for that now," he said.
Asked if a new executive council line-up would be appointed soon, Ismail said any decision would have to wait until the court rules on the validity of the previous members' dismissal.
The 10 former excos filed an originating summons at the High Court here on Oct 5 challenging the validity of a state gazette notification dated Sept 24 revoking their appointments.
"As of now, that is how it is, but we will have to see how things go.
"For now, we have brought it to court, so let's wait for the... process.
"We will just see how the situation develops," he said.
Tuanku Muhriz revoked the excos' appointments for violating their oath of office after they backed a bid to remove him as Ruler.
Separately, Ismail said he was not aware if the former exco members had returned their official vehicles.
"I only look after my official car," he said.
Earlier, Ismail said state authorities would help fire victims currently housed at a relief centre here.
"They are in good hands for now.
"Once they are ready to move out, the state Islamic Affairs Council will help pay rent for their new homes for three months and if need be, this will be extended to six months," he added.
It was reported that four houses behind the Ampangan Urban Transformation Centre suffered 80% damage in a fire on Sunday (Oct 25), affecting four families.
