“The assesment tax will remain, but there will be no increase for the next five years. This is part of the Barisan Nasional manifesto for the recent 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election,” he told a press conference after chairing the first Exco meeting here today.

Meanwhile, he said the First (Special) Session of the 16th Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly is scheduled to be held on Aug 18.

Ismail said the sitting would, among other matters, include the swearing-in of all state assemblymen, the appointment of the State Assembly speaker and deputy speaker, as well as the tabling of an additional budget to meet some of the state’s financial needs.

“ The Speaker will be appointed from among non-members of the State Legislative Assembly, while the Deputy Speaker has to be a state assemblyman.

“We already have a name for the Deputy Speaker and will announce it next week. The candidate for Speaker has also been identified, but no decision has been made yet,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ismail said that at today’s meeting, he stressed the importance of all Exco members carrying out their duties under their respective portfolios with full dedication, integrity, professionalism and commitment.

He said the administration must work as a team, with each Exco member taking a clear lead in their respective portfolios while ensuring that the departments and agencies under their purview remain aligned with the state government’s direction.

--BERNAMA