KUALA LUMPUR – MPs have been instructed to submit statutory declarations to Istana Negara by 4pm tomorrow naming one among them whom they wish to become prime minister.
This is according to a notice by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun sent to all members of the Lower House today.
It is believed that as yet, no one MP commands the majority.
In the notice, Azhar said each lawmaker is to submit an SD clearly stating their support for one MP as the country’s ninth prime minister, following Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation from the top job yesterday.
The appointment of the new prime minister is in line with Article 43(2)(a) of the federal constitution that stipulates the Agong must appoint a prime minister from among MPs who in his judgment has the majority backing of the House, said the speaker.
He said each SD must include several details to be taken into consideration by the king.
Among them are the full identification of the MP submitting the SD, the identity of their choice of prime minister, and an unconditional and clear statement of their support for their candidate.
The SD should also include the date of the document and the MP’s signature.
Lawmakers currently overseas must include an official stamp from a witness, either a lawyer, solicitor, commissioner of oaths, public notary, or anyone with a position equivalent to an MP.
“These SDs must be submitted to Istana Negara by August 18 at the latest, before 4pm, for the attention of the Agong’s senior private secretary Datuk Nazim Mohd Alim,” said Azhar.
In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, he said, the documents are to be submitted by fax, email or WhatsApp, and not by hand.
“It must be noted that any SD that does not fulfil the aforementioned conditions or is submitted late will not be entertained. MPs are also reminded to maintain the secrecy of their SDs until the Agong makes a decision (on who becomes prime minister).”
Muhyiddin tendered his and his cabinet’s resignation during an audience with the king yesterday, marking the end of his 17-month stint as head of the administration.
Various parties immediately made moves to secure enough support to form a new government.
This comes shortly before Azhar’s scheduled audience with the Agong at 2pm today, along with all party chiefs and Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim. – The Vibes, August 17, 2021
