Malay rulers to convene special meeting at Istana

The Malay rulers are expected to convene a special meeting at Istana Negara today to discuss the country’s current political issues, particularly in relation to the appointment of the ninth prime minister of Malaysia.

The meeting is expected to begin at 2.30pm and will be presided over by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The focus will be on the appointment of an MP who commands the majority support of the Dewan Rakyat as the country’s new prime minister in accordance with Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution.

This is necessary following the resignation of Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister on Aug 16.

Yesterday, the king granted separate audience to 114 MPs from Barisan Nasional, Perikatan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and the independent bloc.

MPs from Pakatan Harapan (PH) and its allies, however, have not been granted a similar audience with the king.

It was reported that the audience with the king was to enable the MPs to verbally declare and verify their statutory declarations stating support for their prime minister candidate.

Based on the statements issued by various parties and MPs, Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob appears set to be appointed as prime minister to replace Muhyiddin, while PH maintains Anwar Ibrahim as its candidate.

Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah had also decreed that the new prime minister must seek a vote of confidence as soon as possible to determine his legitimacy and majority support in the Dewan Rakyat.

The king also reminded victorious political party leaders and representatives to extend the hand of cooperation to those who are not successful and to work as a team to maintain harmony.