Vote of confidence on PM would undermine Agong, AG says![]()
King says new PM will still have to face confidence vote in Dewan Rakyat![]()
KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 18): The upcoming prime minister appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong must still file a motion of confidence in the Dewan Rakyat as soon as possible to confirm the newly elect commands majority support in parliament, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has decreed.
In a statement by Istana Negara, the King said that his request for statutory declarations by members of parliament (MPs) by 4pm today to prove support towards their PM candidates is meant to help him appoint an MP "which in his view may garner the majority support of MPs" as stipulated under Section 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution.
"Seri Paduka Baginda also decreed that the appointed prime minister must, as soon as possible, still file a motion of confidence in the Dewan Rakyat, to confirm that the person has majority support in the Dewan Rakyat," the statement said.
"In this matter, he further decreed that as the Supreme Head, he will do as best he could to perform the responsibilities of a constitutional monarchy in accordance with the Supremacy of the Constitution and the Rule of Law.
"Seri Paduka Baginda will chair a special meeting among the Malay Rulers to discuss current issues as scheduled on Aug 20, 2021 (Friday)," the statement said.
The King granted an audience to representatives of the political parties on Tuesday (Aug 17) to reveal the stance "for the formation of a stable government as soon as possible", the statement said.
The audience was granted following the resignation of the Cabinet the day before. The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, was also present at the meeting.
During yesterday's meetings, the statement said the King highlighted that the nation must retain existing policies, such as the execution of development projects, the programmes to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, including the vaccination roll-out plus the National Recovery Plan.
The King stressed that whoever is appointed to lead the federal government must be appointed in accordance with the Federal Constitution.
"Seri Paduka Baginda reminded leaders and representatives of key political parties to calm the situation, MPs who win should extend their hand to collaborate with those who do not, and all parties should be ready to work as a team.
"In other words, winners don't win all and losers don't lose all," the statement said.
Additionally, the King expressed hope to have meetings arranged with other MPs from time to time, the statement added.
The statement reiterated that holding the 15th general election is not the best option for now.
The King and the Sultan of Perak emphasised that there should be unity among the members of the Dewan Rakyat and to remove the political uncertainties as quickly as possible, the statement said.
Leaders and representatives from UMNO, PKR, DAP, Bersatu, PAS, Amanah, Warisan and Pejuang attended the meeting in Istana Negara started from 2.30pm yesterday, which lasted over 90 minutes.
The King also had a virtual meeting with GPS component parties earlier at 1.40pm the same day, according to the statement.