Seven-term assemblyman Ismail Lasim was sworn in as Negeri Sembilan menteri besar on Sunday, but several assemblymen missed the ceremony, including state Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias. “His name was never mentioned in discussions on who was the ‘menteri besar designate’ for Barisan Nasional, in working with Perikatan Nasional. Ismail was sworn in as Negeri Sembilan menteri besar on Sunday, but state Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias was among several assemblymen who missed the ceremony. “I believe Ismail can weather this particular scenario, especially pressure coming from within Negeri Sembilan Umno itself.” Jalaluddin could have the advantage here, he said, given the Negeri Sembilan Umno chief’s role in forming the BN-PN pact for the state polls.