Negeri Sembilan UMNO chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias has denied claims that he was disappointed after not being appointed Menteri Besar, saying Barisan Nasional’s (BN) return to power was always his main priority.
Jalaluddin, who is also the Pertang state assemblyman, said he accepted the outcome with an open heart, stressing that his goal from the beginning was to help BN regain control of the state government.
“I am happy that our struggle to bring BN back to lead Negeri Sembilan has been achieved. That was my main objective,” he said.
He added that the party’s victory should be celebrated, not speculation over who was chosen as Menteri Besar.
“My body isn’t hurting because I didn’t become Menteri Besar. Why are other people the ones feeling hurt?” he remarked in response to claims that he was unhappy with the decision.
Jalaluddin also announced that he would not be offering himself for a position in the new Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council (Exco), saying he wanted to give other capable leaders the opportunity to serve.
He noted that he is already serving as the Member of Parliament for Jelebu and the state assemblyman for Pertang, adding that he has no desire to accumulate more positions.
“I am not new to politics. I am not greedy for power. There is still plenty of work to do to fulfil BN’s manifesto, deliver on our promises to the people and improve where necessary,” he said.
Jalaluddin also explained his absence from the swearing-in ceremony of the new Menteri Besar, saying he only saw the official invitation after dawn prayers because the protocol notice had been sent at about 4.50am, while he already had prior commitments scheduled for the morning.
