[UPDATED] Agong calls meeting of Malay rulers tomorrow to discuss formation of new govt

KUALA LUMPUR – The Conference of Rulers will meet at Istana Negara tomorrow amid the continued political impasse over the formation of the new government.

Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah made the decree today following his audience with leaders from Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

“The Conference of Rulers discussion is meant for His Majesty to obtain the views of the other Malay rulers, to allow him to make a decision for the sake of the interest and well-being of the country and rakyat,” he said in a statement today. 

Earlier today, top leaders from BN and GPS were seen entering the palace but did not speak to the media.

This comes as neither Pakatan Harapan (PH) nor Perikatan Nasional (PN) – the two coalitions with the greatest number of MPs – managed to secure a simple majority of 112 lawmakers to form the government.

An attempt by the palace to get both PH and PN to form a unity government also failed, after the latter’s chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin revealed that he rejected the proposal during his audience with the king yesterday.

In the statement by the palace today, Fadil confirmed that neither coalition had secured a mandate from a majority of MPs, based on the Agong’s meeting with Muhyiddin and PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday.

He added that the discussions held with the party leaders is in line with Article 43(2)(a) of the federal constitution, so that the Agong would be able to make a decision on who, in his judgement, is likely to command the confidence of the majority of members of the lower House and be appointed prime minister. 

“His Majesty urges the rakyat and all quarters to remain patient until the process of forming the government is completed. Indeed, the future of our beloved country is too valuable, and it is important we plan it carefully and meticulously.

“The rakyat have decided on their representatives. As such, it is up to the MPs to find a solution to this crisis. His Majesty invites the rakyat to pray together for the well-being of this beloved country.”

In the recently concluded election, PH managed to secure 82 seats, while PN won 73. Both coalition leaders have separately claimed to have the majority support of MPs to form the government. – The Vibes, November 23, 2022