Ismail Lasim Sworn In as New Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Following BN-PN Election Victory

SEREMBAN, Aug 2 — Juasseh assemblyman Datuk Ismail Lasim was sworn in today as the new Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, bringing nearly three decades of political, legal, and administrative experience to the state’s top executive office.

The 67-year-old veteran politician took his oath of office before the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, during an official ceremony at the Balairong Seri of Istana Besar Seri Menanti.

Ismail’s appointment follows the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election, where Barisan Nasional (BN) won 18 seats and Perikatan Nasional (PN) secured seven, enabling the two coalitions to form the new state administration with a two-thirds majority in the 36-seat assembly.

Born in Juasseh, Kuala Pilah, Ismail received his early education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pusat Juasseh before attending Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan King George V. He later earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons) degree from the University of Malaya and established a career as a lawyer, alongside acquiring corporate management experience at the board level.

Ismail began his public service career upon his initial election to the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly in 1999, when he won the Senaling state seat. He was first appointed to the State Executive Council in 2004 and served three consecutive terms through 2018, primarily overseeing the education portfolio and policies related to human capital development.

Following the formation of the Unity Government after the 15th state election, Ismail returned to the State Executive Council as Chairman of the Education and Human Capital Action Committee. Within party ranks, the Kuala Pilah UMNO Division Chief currently serves as the Negeri Sembilan UMNO Information Chief.

In the 16th state election, Ismail contested the Juasseh seat and secured victory over Mohd Aidil Abdullah of Pakatan Harapan and Mohd Zuhaimi Md Yusof of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia with a majority of 4,091 votes.

Ismail is married to Datin Noraishah Othman, and the couple has five children.

–NMT