“The trust placed in you is a great responsibility, and I am confident you will carry it out to the best of your ability for the well-being of the people and the state's progress. Insya-Allah, together we will make Negeri Sembilan great again,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin also extended his congratulations, describing the people's trust as a great responsibility to continue the state's development.

Mohamed Khaled expressed hope that the new leadership would enable Negeri Sembilan to continue enjoying stability, progress and shared prosperity.

“I pray that Allah will continue to grant him the strength, wisdom and guidance to lead Negeri Sembilan, and ease every undertaking for the well-being of the people and the progress of the state. Insya-Allah,” he said in a Facebook post.

Meanwhile, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, in her Facebook post,  described Ismail’s appointment as a significant moment in leading Negeri Sembilan into a new phase.

“All the best in carrying out your responsibilities and leading Negeri Sembilan. May Allah ease every undertaking, grant you strength and wisdom in shouldering this responsibility, and make every service you render a charitable deed that benefits the people and earns His blessings,” she said.

Ismail, 67, was sworn in as the new Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar before the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, at the Balairong Seri of Istana Besar Seri Menanti today.

Ismail began his political career as an elected representative when he was first elected as a state assemblyman in 1999, and has since built nearly three decades of experience in Negeri Sembilan politics.

He was first appointed to the state executive council (Exco) in 2004 and served in the state administration for three consecutive terms until 2018.

During that period, he held the education portfolio and was involved in formulating and implementing various policies related to education development and human capital development in Negeri Sembilan.

-- BERNAMA