THE palace has refuted allegations that the Agong intentionally delayed the swearing-in of Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the country’s seventh prime minister, and said the ceremony will go on as planned tonight.

Comptroller of the Royal Household Wan Ahmad Dahlan Ab Aziz said in a statement that the ceremony was postponed as the Agong met with the presidents of all the Pakatan Harapan component parties.

“His Majesty, after having interviewed them and listened to their views, decided to invite Tun Dr Mahathir to form the next Federal Government pursuant to Article 43(2a) of the Federal Constitution,” he said in the statement.

“Istana Negara strongly refutes any allegation that His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong XV Sultan Muhammad V delayed the appointment of Tun Dr Mahathir as prime minister.

“His majesty the king has faithfully carried out his duties and functions in accordance with the Federal Constitution in appointing Tun Dr Mahathir.”

Article 43 (2a) states that the Agong appoints the prime minister, who then appoints the cabinet.

The statement also said Istana Negara received a letter from Pakatan Harapan’s component parties at 1.38pm today supporting the appointment of Dr Mahathir as the next prime minister, adding that the Agong was looking forward to working with the new PH government.

“His majesty strongly supports and respects the democratic process and the wishes of his subjects.

“His majesty looks forward to working with Tun Dr Mahathir and his administration for the betterment of our nation and all its people.”

Dr Mahathir will be sworn in at Istana Negara tonight at 9.30pm. – May 10, 2018.