KUALA PILAH, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- The lineup of the Negeri Sembilan state cabinet, or executive council, is expected to be finalised by this Friday at the latest, said newly appointed Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim.
He said discussions with the Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership would be held first before the proposed lineup is presented to the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, for approval.
Ismail said he would also meet UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi soon to seek his views on the composition of the state executive council, including the possibility of appointing state elected representatives from Perikatan Nasional (PN).
"Ideally, we aim to complete the matter within this week, by Friday, if time permits. As for Tuanku, His Royal Highness prefers for the matter to be resolved as soon as possible.
"We need to form the government together. Naturally, we have State Assembly members from Barisan Nasional, not only from UMNO but also from component parties MCA and MIC. All these factors will be taken into consideration in forming the State Executive Council (EXCO)," he told reporters at his first press conference after being sworn in as Menteri Besar today.
Earlier, Ismail, who is Juasseh Assemblyman, took his oath of office as Menteri Besar in a ceremony held before Tuanku Muhriz at Istana Besar Seri Menanti here.
On the size of the EXCO lineup, Ismail said the matter had yet to be finalised but expressed the view that maintaining a 10-member structure, as practised previously, would be the most suitable arrangement for the state administration.
He said discussions on the appointment of the EXCO member and portfolio distribution would only take place after consultations with the party leadership.
"The inclusion of Perikatan Nasional assemblymen in the EXCO lineup will also be discussed with the UMNO president (Ahmad Zahid)," he said.
Meanwhile, Ismail said the welfare and well-being of the people would remain the state government's top priority during his administration.
He said as a government elected by the people, the well-being of the populace serves as the primary pillar and long-term focus of the state administration.
Yesterday's Negeri Sembilan state election results saw Barisan Nasional (BN) secure 18 seats in the State Legislative Assembly, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) won seven, thereby enabling the two coalitions to form the state government with a two-thirds majority.
A total of 36 state seats were contested in this election, involving 103 candidates.
For the latest news on the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/n9.
-- BERNAMA