"Your loyalty and commitment must always be directed towards the state and the people you represent, taking precedence over any political or personal interests," His Royal Highness said.

Tuanku Muhriz made the remarks during the appointment and swearing-in ceremony of the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar at Istana Besar Seri Menanti here today.

His Royal Highness said Negeri Sembilan requires a leadership team that remains steadfast in upholding principles and noble values, stressing that every responsibility entrusted to public office holders must be discharged with honesty, sincerity and a strong sense of accountability.

"Any abuse of power, position or the trust placed in an individual will not only tarnish the institution he or she represents, but may also lead to injustice and undermine the effective implementation of policies intended for the well-being of the people and the progress of the state," Tuanku Muhriz decreed.

Accompanying His Royal Highness at the ceremony were Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz, and Tunku Panglima Besar Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin Tuanku Muhriz.

Also present were the Undang Luak of Sungei Ujong, Datuk Klana Petra Muhammad Faris Johari and the Undang Luak of Rembau, Datuk Sedia Raja Hassan Ab Hamid.

Earlier, Juasseh assemblyman Datuk Ismail Lasim took the oath of office as the new Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

Tuanku Muhriz expressed confidence that Ismail would discharge his duties with dedication and integrity while continuing the achievements of the previous administration and addressing areas requiring further improvement.

His Royal Highness also reminded the Menteri Besar and all State Legislative Assembly members to remain loyal to the Royal Institution, uphold the sovereignty of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution, and acknowledge the authority vested in the  Dewan Keadilan dan Undang.

Tuanku Muhriz congratulated all newly elected assemblymen on receiving the people's mandate in the 16th state election, while expressing appreciation to former assemblymen and State Executive Council members for their dedicated service during the previous term.

"To those who were unsuccessful in this election, I hope you will continue serving the people with commitment and contribute to the well-being of the community and the progress of Negeri Sembilan," His Royal Highness said.

Tuanku Muhriz also urged the people of Negeri Sembilan to continue fostering mutual understanding, respect and appreciation for the state's rich diversity, noting that every religion, race and culture possesses noble values and traditions that should be preserved.

"I believe that by upholding the values of mutual respect, tolerance and the spirit of consensus, we will continue to strengthen unity, preserve harmony and reinforce the spirit of togetherness among our multiracial society.

"This is the essential foundation that will ensure Negeri Sembilan remains peaceful, prosperous and progressive for the benefit of both present and future generations," His Royal Highness said.

Election Commission Chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun yesterday announced that Barisan Nasional (BN) won 18 of the 36 state seats in the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election, while Pakatan Harapan (PH) secured 11 seats and Perikatan Nasional (PN) won seven.

The new Negeri Sembilan state government was subsequently formed through a collaboration between BN and PN.

-- BERNAMA