[UPDATED] Abang Jo leaves choice of PM to Agong

KUALA LUMPUR – Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has left it to the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to appoint a prime minister who will lead a strong federal government.

In a brief statement today, Abang Johari said this is also in line with the powers accorded to the king by the federal constitution.

The Sarawak premier added that the people’s mandate must be respected in light of the ongoing political turmoil in Peninsular Malaysia.

“GPS stresses that national interests must be prioritised, and the formation of a stable government for the sake of the people and country must be put above personal interests.”

Political leaders have until 2pm today to submit a prime minister candidate and the coalitions which will form the federal government.

The race to Putrajaya remains open as no coalition or party won 112 seats, which is the simple majority in the Dewan Rakyat.

After the tallying of votes over the weekend, Pakatan Harapan (PH) and its partners have won 82 seats, followed by Perikatan Nasional’s 73, Barisan Nasional’s 30, GPS’ 23, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s six, Warisan’s three, Parti Bangsa Malaysia and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat’s one each, and two independents. 

Meanwhile, the election for the Padang Serai parliamentary seat will be held on December 7 following the sudden death of PH’s candidate and incumbent M. Karupaiya on November 16, three days before polling day. – The Vibes, November 22, 2022