SEREMBAN, Nov 7 — Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim has refused to be drawn on speculation that he could be replaced by Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, saying he remains in office amid uncertainty over his political future.

The Juasseh assemblyman also declined to address Opposition claims that the state legislative assembly sitting scheduled for November 26 could be postponed.

“As of today, I am still the menteri besar,” Ismail told reporters last night, according to the New Straits Times.

He maintained that there was no question of him stepping down but offered no further comment on speculation linking Jalaluddin, the Pertang assemblyman and Jelebu MP, to the state’s top post.