Three PN Assemblymen, One MCA Rep Expected to Join Negeri Sembilan Exco

The Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council is set to welcome new members today, with three assemblymen from Perikatan Nasional (PN) and one representative from MCA anticipated to be sworn in. The official ceremony will take place at the Istana Besar Seri Menanti in Kuala Pilah, where the 10 individuals chosen to fill the council positions will be announced.

Following the recent State Election, the coalition of Barisan Nasional (BN) and PN secured a strong mandate. BN won 18 seats in the State Legislative Assembly, while their partner PN garnered seven seats. Breaking down the coalition's strength, UMNO holds 16 seats, MCA has 2, PAS secured 4, and Parti Wawasan Negara (Wawasan) holds 3 seats.

In a move to foster new leadership, Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, the assemblyman for Pertang and Chairman of the Negeri Sembilan UMNO Liaison Body, has offered to forgo an exco position to allow opportunities for fresh faces in the state government. This decision opens up possibilities for new representatives to contribute to the administration.

While many assemblymen contacted by Utusan Malaysia remained tight-lipped about their potential appointments, speculation suggests that some former exco members might not be included in the new lineup. This could mean that Datuk Mustapha Nagoor (Palong) and Datuk Mohd. Faizal Ramli (Linggi) may not be reappointed. However, Datuk Zaifulbahri Idris, a former exco member for two terms between 2008 and 2018, is reportedly being considered for a return to the council.

S. Lieza Md. Yasin, the assemblyman for Pilah, is considered a near certainty for an exco position, likely to handle women's affairs. Chennah assemblyman Siow Kong Choon, who defeated DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke Siew Fook, is expected to represent MCA in the exco, marking MCA's return to the council for the first time since 2008-2013. Additionally, Datuk Mohd. Zaidy Abdul Kadir (Jeram Padang), Suhaimizan Bizar (Gemencheh), and Suhaimi Aini (Kota) are seen as potential candidates. PN is expected to receive two exco positions for PAS and one for Wawasan. PAS state commissioner Mohd. Fairuz Mohd. Isa (Serting) and former exco Datuk Mohamad Rafie Ab. Malek (Ampangan) are likely candidates from PAS. Wawasan's potential appointees include Danni Rais (Klawang), Datuk Razali Abu Samah (Sikamat), and Ridzuan Ahmad (Gemas). Although there are 10 exco positions, it is understood that only nine individuals may be appointed initially, with one position reserved for a future appointment of a leader from the Indian community.