Ismail Lasim, a 67-year-old veteran leader of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), was sworn in as the new chief minister of Negeri Sembilan on Sunday, August 2, 2026. The ceremony took place at Istana Besar Seri Menanti before the state ruler, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

Ismail's appointment follows a commanding victory by the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) alliance in the recent state election, marking a significant political shift in the southwestern Malaysian state. The BN-PN coalition's success dealt a setback to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.

Prior to the election, PH governed Negeri Sembilan in partnership with BN but won only 11 seats in the latest polls. Ismail himself won the Juasseh assembly seat with a 4,034-vote majority, securing 6,904 votes. He succeeds PH's Aminuddin Harun, who had led the state for eight years.

Ismail has also held roles as UMNO state information chief and Kuala Pilah chief. The swearing-in ceremony, which included BN deputy chairman Mohamad Hasan and other BN-PN representatives, marked the formal start of the new state administration.

The election results reflect a reversal in the state's political landscape, influenced by a strong Malay-Muslim unity narrative promoted by BN and PN that significantly eroded PH's support.

Sources