"Place your trust in the Menteri Besar to determine the direction and style of his administration. Do not interfere, but instead give him the space to carry out his responsibilities. There is no issue of disappointment or otherwise (on my part) because my objective of ensuring Barisan Nasional (BN) wins Saturday's State Election has already been achieved," he told Bernama here today.

On the formation of the State Executive Council (Exco), Jalaluddin said he had not offered himself for appointment as he wanted to give younger leaders the opportunity to serve.

He said his experience as a former elected representative and senior state executive councillor was sufficient, adding that he believed younger leaders were capable of bringing fresh ideas and new approaches to the state administration.

"I have served as an elected representative and senior Exco member. I have served Negeri Sembilan for many years, so let us give younger leaders with fresh ideas and renewed energy the opportunity to join the state administration," he said.

He said that as Negeri Sembilan UMNO's top leader, the party had worked to field BN's best, young and capable candidates in the state election, and they should now be given the opportunity to serve in the State Executive Council.

Ismail, who won the Juasseh state seat in the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election, was sworn in as the new Menteri Besar before the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, at Istana Besar Seri Menanti yesterday.

A total of 36 state seats were contested in the Negeri Sembilan election, with BN winning 18 seats while Perikatan Nasional (PN) secured seven, enabling the two coalitions to form the state government with a two-thirds majority.

-- BERNAMA