Ismail bin Lasim (born 15 April 1960) is a Malaysian politician and lawyer who is the ninth Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan since August 2026. A member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), he is the deputy chair and information chief of the party's Negeri Sembilan state liaison committee as well as division chief of UMNO's Kuala Pilah division.

Political career Ismail was first elected as a member of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Senaling following the conclusion of the 1999 Malaysian state elections and successfully defended the seat for the following three election cycles and also during the 2023–2026 term. Between May 2018 to August 2023, he represented Juasseh having won the constituency in 2018 and again since August 2026.

From March 2004 to May 2018, Ismail served three consecutive terms as an executive councillor (EXCO) of the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council in the National Front (Barisan Nasional; BN) administrations of seventh MB Mohamad Hasan, holding different portfolios during each of the terms.

Ismail was selected to serve as an EXCO again from August 2023 by the eighth MB, Aminuddin Harun, in the joint Alliance of Hope (Pakatan Harapan; PH)–BN government until its collapse in August 2026.

Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan On 2 August 2026, Ismail was sworn-in as the ninth MB following the 2026 Negeri Sembilan state election at the Seri Menanti Grand Palace (Istana Besar Seri Menanti). Prior to announcing his BN–National Alliance (Perikatan Nasional; PN) executive council line-up, Ismail's appointment was questioned by one of his predecessors and chairman of PN-component National Vision Party (WAWASAN), Rais Yatim, who alleged that there was "outside interference" involved in the former's appointment. Ismail denied the allegations and instead announced that his administration may introduce deputy EXCO posts as there may not be sufficient EXCO posts (capped at ten) to offer to all the BN–PN coalition parties.

Instrument of proclamation controversy In early September 2026, a dispute concerning an instrument of proclamation relating to the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan attracted public attention. Several traditional chiefs of Negeri Sembilan, including the Undang Yang Empat ('four territorial chiefs'), the Tunku Besar of Tampin and the Dato' Shahbandar Sungai Ujong, alleged that Ismail had signed a document concerning the removal of Tuanku Muhriz from the position of Yang di-Pertuan Besar. According to the allegations, the document was signed on 3 August during a meeting in Port Dickson. Reports concerning the document and the meeting circulated publicly on 6 September. The authenticity of the document, the circumstances surrounding its signing and its legal effect became the subject of dispute. On 8 September, Ismail and the Negeri Sembilan state government expressed their support for Muhriz and reaffirmed their loyalty to him as Yang di-Pertuan Besar. Ismail also denied that UMNO president and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was involved in any attempt to remove Muhriz. The statement followed reports linking several UMNO leaders to a meeting held at Istana Laguna Biru in Port Dickson on 3 August.

On 9 September, Ismail admitted that he had signed the instrument of proclamation but stated that he had done so unwillingly and under duress. He said that a police report had been lodged earlier to enable an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the document. Ismail also maintained that the instrument did not comply with the procedures prescribed under Article 10 of the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 and therefore could not be enforced. On 10 September, lawyers representing the Undang Yang Empat gave a different account, stating that Ismail had signed the document voluntarily and without coercion. The same day, Ismail was reported to have met Ahmad Zahid at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre during the UMNO general assembly. The meeting lasted almost two hours, although its contents were not publicly disclosed.

The controversy was accompanied by reports of a possible resignation by Ismail as Menteri Besar. On 14 September, his press secretary denied reports that he would resign. The press secretary also denied that Ismail was scheduled to hold an official meeting with Ahmad Zahid on that date. On the same day, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed that police had opened an investigation paper into Ismail's allegation that he had been coerced into signing the instrument of proclamation. The investigation was ongoing at the time. Speaker of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly Awaludin Said also stated that his office had not received any notice or proposal for a motion of no confidence against Ismail. The statement followed speculation concerning the stability of the state administration amid the dispute involving the state constitutional and customary institutions.

On 15 September, Ismail stated that the Menteri Besar did not possess unilateral authority to remove or vacate the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. He said that matters concerning the position were governed by the Laws of the Constitution of Negeri Sembilan 1959 and the principles of constitutional monarchy. The state executive council stated that the validity and effect of the instrument of proclamation would depend on its constitutional source of authority and compliance with the procedures prescribed by state law.

Election results + Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly Percentage figures are calculated based on total turnout. Percentage figures based on total turnout. Results only available from the 2004 election. Percentage figures based on total turnout. Percentage figures based on total turnout.YearConstituencyCandidateVotesPctOpponent(s)VotesPctBallots castMajorityTurnout1999N14 Senaling (UMNO) 3,09759.94%Baharudin Poan (PAS) 2,070 40.06% 5,332 1,027 73.18%2004N17 Senaling 3,86074.17% (PAS) 1,344 25.83% 5,299 2,516 75.46%2008 3,64769.09% 1,632 30.91% 5,418 2,014 77.25%2013 4,450 65.94% 2,299 34.06% 6,878 2,151 86.00%2018N15 Juasseh 4,146 50.41%Rosli Omar (PKR) 3,454 42.00% 8,388 692 83.10% (PAS) 624 7.59%2023N17 Senaling3,72454.88% (BERSATU)3,06245.12%6,83966269.18%2026N15 Juasseh 6,907 67.52%Mohd Aidil Abdullah (PKR) 2,816 27.53% 10,229 4,091 75.49% (BERSATU) 506 4.95%

Honours

Knight Companion of the Order of Loyalty to Negeri Sembilan (DSNS) – Dato' (2002)

References