SEREMBAN, Nov. 7 -- Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias has denied plotting to oust Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim, dismissing speculation that a vote of no confidence was being planned amid uncertainty over the state's political leadership.

Jalaluddin said no such move had been discussed at a meeting of the state Umno leadership today, insisting that claims of rival factions within the party were unfounded.

According to Utusan Malaysia, Jalaluddin was speaking after a Negeri Sembilan Umno liaison committee meeting at Wisma Umno in Seremban today.

"Have you heard me say I want to bring down the menteri besar? No. I made that clear at the meeting earlier.

"Even this morning, there were still claims that we would de...