We met the King one by one to affirm our SDs, says Umno MP

 

Jempol MP Salim Shariff says the MPs were asked to introduce themselves, which parliamentary constituency they represent, and which candidate they support. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: An Umno MP has shared what took place this morning as those backing Ismail Sabri Yaakob for the prime minister’s post were called for an audience with the King.

Jempol MP Salim Shariff told Berita Harian they were each given about a minute to meet the King, where they then affirmed the statutory declarations (SDs) they had signed.

“We were asked to introduce ourselves, which parliamentary constituency we represented, and which candidate we were supporting. The sessions were conducted one by one with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.

He said the deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Shah, was not present.

Salim was among the first batch of MPs to arrive by bus at Istana Negara at 10.37am, followed by a bus of Bersatu MPs a few minutes later.

A third batch of MPs had arrived at 12.47pm, comprising Bersatu representatives including Jeli MP Mustapa Mohamed.

A total of 114 MPs who are said to have submitted SDs in support of Ismail have been summoned to the Palace for an audience with the King today.

According to sources, the MPs are from various parties that were part of the previous Perikatan Nasional-led administration.

These include those from Barisan Nasional, Bersatu, PAS, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, PBS and STAR, and several independents. - FMT