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

The meeting is expected to begin at 2.30pm and will be presided by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

The focus will definitely be on the appointment of a lawmaker 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 Monday.

Yesterday, the king granted separate audience to 114 MPs from Barisan Nasional, Perikatan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and also four independents.

The MPs from Pakatan Harapan (PH) and its allies, however, were not 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 looked certain to be appointed prime minister to replace Muhyiddin, while PH maintained Anwar Ibrahim as their candidate.

Sultan Abdullah 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 a hand of cooperation to those who are not successful and to work as a team to maintain harmony. – Bernama, August 20, 2021.