KUALA LUMPUR – Following a two-hour audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong today, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that there is consensus among parties’ top leaders to form a new political landscape.
Speaking to the waiting press outside Gate 2 of Istana Negara, he said the move is agreed on by all party chiefs so as to tackle the Covid-19 and economic crises.
“Everyone (party leaders present at the meeting) gave their opinions, and it seems that there is a consensus to end the old (political) ways and focus on developing the nation.
The issue here is not just the appointment of a new prime minister. What’s more important for the Agong and his deputy is to form a new political landscape that is more peaceful for the people.”
Present at the press conference with Anwar were DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.
Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Pejuang president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man were seen leaving the palace.
Anwar stressed that the king specifically said the MP selected as prime minister should not be resentful towards those who did not succeed.
“This means, whoever gets (the prime minister’s post) should not ‘take revenge’ on those who lost.”
Tuan Ibrahim was the first party leader to arrive at Istana Negara for the audience with Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, at 1.34pm.
Mukhriz arrived at 1.52pm, followed by Zahid two minutes later.
Lim and Mohamad arrived shortly after one another.
Anwar, who is also PKR president, arrived at 1.59pm.
The leaders are believed to have had a group meeting with the king, according to palace sources.
The audience granted to the party leaders follows the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister yesterday, and is believed to have discussed a succession plan for the top post. – The Vibes, August 17, 2021
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