Appointed PM must immediately table confidence vote: Agong

KUALA LUMPUR – Whoever is appointed as the next prime minister must immediately test his legitimacy in Parliament, decreed the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. 

In a statement issued by the Istana Negara today, it said that this is in line with Articles 40(2)(a) and 43(2)(a) of the federal constitution, to determine if the individual does command the majority support of the Dewan Rakyat.

The statement, signed by Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, comes just a day after an audience between Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and his deputy Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah of Perak with leaders of the major political parties.

This follows the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his cabinet on Monday, paving the way for the appointment of a new government.

According to Fadil, the Agong has also decreed that all 220 MPs submit a name of their choice of prime minister by 4pm today to assist His Majesty in making his decision before appointing a new head of administration that in his judgment has the majority support.

“In this regard, His Majesty will try his best to fulfil his responsibilities as a constitutional monarch, and based on the supremacy of the federal constitution and the rule of law.

“The king will chair a special Conference of Rulers meeting this Friday to discuss current affairs.”

In the royal audience yesterday, the Agong and his deputy also urged MPs to come to terms with each other and called for the unification of all political parties in addressing issues currently plaguing the country.

Fadil said the royals are of the view that the politicians must focus on current issues, noting that the existing political crisis has had a negative impact on the economy, and adding that holding a fresh election at the moment is off the cards.

“During the audience, His Majesty also reminded the party leaders that whichever MP succeeds (in becoming prime minister) must offer a hand to work together with the losing party and all quarters must be prepared to work as a team.

“In other words, the winner does not win it all, while the loser does not lose it all (yang menang tidak menang semua manakala yang kalah pula tidak kalah semua).”

Fadil said the king has also expressed his intention to hold separate audiences with the other MPs from time to time.

On yesterday’s audience, Fadil said the Agong’s main purpose was to state his position that, among other things, the rakyat must not be burdened by the prolonged politicking in the midst of a health pandemic and economic crisis.

He said His Majesty also believes that honesty is crucial to ensure the people’s welfare is given priority, and that all MPs must show solidarity and give their commitment to serve the people.

Additionally, Fadil said the king is of the opinion that existing policies, including on Covid-19 efforts such as the vaccination programme and the National Recovery Plan, must continue. – The Vibes, August 18, 2021