KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 3 -- Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias has dismissed speculation that his absence from the swearing-in of the state's new menteri besar reflected disappointment over the appointment, saying the invitation arrived only at 4.50am and clashed with an earlier engagement.

Jalaluddin, who New Straits Times (NST) reported was believed to have been among those considered for the post, said he read the invitation from the state protocol unit after Subuh prayers.

"It was last minute. I received it at 4.50am from Protocol. I opened and read it after Subuh prayers, but I had already arranged another event in my constituency that required my presence," the Pertang assemblyman told NST today.

His absence from ...