AFTER the walkout by opposition MPs at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, the Agong today told lawmakers to stay put for his royal address.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats, and don’t run,” said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V at the start of his address to mark the opening of the first session of the 14th Parliament.

The Agong, who made the remark with a grin on his face, drew laughter from the MPs.

It was a mirthful episode following yesterday’s raucous proceedings, which saw Barisan Nasional and PAS lawmakers staging a walkout to protest against the government’s appointment of former Court of Appeal judge Mohd Ariff Md Yusof as Dewan Rakyat speaker.

Only three BN MPs stayed in their seats – Khairy Jamaluddin (Rembau), Anifah Aman (Kimanis) and Rozman Asli (Labuan).

BN and PAS claimed that Pakatan Harapan did not abide by the rule for a 14-day notice on the naming of the speaker to be submitted to Parliament.

However, Transport Minister Anthony Loke yesterday said the notice was sent to the Dewan Rakyat secretary on July 2. – July 17, 2018.