Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim will oversee three major portfolios in the state administration for the 2026-2031 term following the appointment of the new executive council (exco) line-up.
The Juasseh assemblyman will be responsible for Islamic affairs and security; finance, land and natural resources; as well as investment, infrastructure, utilities, communication and the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) portfolios.
Ismail also announced the appointment of 10 state executive councillors, including the retention of two existing exco members, Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli (Linggi) and Datuk Mustapha Nagoor (Palong).
Mohd Faizal will lead the rural and regional development portfolio, while Mustapha will continue overseeing youth and sports development.
Speaking after the exco swearing-in ceremony, Ismail reminded the newly appointed representatives that managing the state required strong commitment and a high level of responsibility, particularly in safeguarding the welfare of the people.
He said he was confident that the new administration, which received the consent of Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, understood the responsibility of maintaining stability and ensuring continued progress in the state.
“The most important thing is that our focus must remain on improving the wellbeing of the people who voted for us and placed their trust in us,” he said.
Ismail, who is also Kuala Pilah Umno chief, revealed that a representative from the Indian community with exco-level status would be appointed under the Menteri Besar’s Office to strengthen representation within the state administration.
He said the position would be filled by a leader from MIC, with the party having already submitted several names for consideration.
“In our efforts to provide opportunities for all communities in the state government, this representative will come from MIC, and the party has already submitted candidate names.
“The final decision will be made during an upcoming exco meeting,” he said.
Ismail added that there was currently no need to appoint deputy excos, while the state government was also looking into appointing an Orang Asli representative to the administration.
He said discussions would be held with the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) to identify a suitable candidate for the role.
Earlier, the 10 newly appointed exco members took their oath of office before Tuanku Muhriz at Istana Besar Seri Menanti.
