PKR has condemned efforts by a group of lawmakers to collect statutory declarations (SDs) from fellow MPs in a bid to gain positions in the current government.

In a statement, PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil said the party has been made to understand that these MPs are soliciting these SDs with the claim they have received the “blessings” of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,

“As a country that practises the principle of a constitutional monarchy, we believe these claims of receiving the ‘blessings’ of His Majesty are manifestly untrue and a disgusting attempt at securing positions and profits for a small faction at a time of national crisis.

“The party holds the position that the name of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong should not be used as a trick to gain the support of other MPs.

“The desperate act of this group must be wholly rejected by the people,” said the Lembah Pantai lawmaker.

He did not indicate who the MPs were.

The Vibes, quoting sources, reported earlier today that there is a movement to get Umno lawmakers to vouch for Hishammuddin Hussein as the deputy prime minister candidate.

However, Hishammuddin in a Twitter response said he did not want to be drawn on rumours.

“As the article states, these are rumours and I don’t entertain rumours.

“We should just concentrate on our Covid-19 response and strengthen our economy,” he said.

The rumours began after the Agong granted audiences to opposition party leaders over the last two days to gather feedback on a variety of issues ranging from the current Covid-19 pandemic to the emergency in the country.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will be the next party chief to be granted an audience with the king tomorrow.

It comes ahead of a meeting of the Malay rulers next Wednesday. – June 10, 2021.