Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said the issue of a change in government did not arise during his discussion with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.
"The matter does not arise for now," he told journalists when asked if he had discussed the formation of a new government after leaving Istana Negara at 11.54am today.
Instead, Anwar (above) said the ruler wanted to hear the views of political leaders.
"That is up to His Majesty. But based on my experience just now, His Majesty is open to hearing everyone's views," he added.
Anwar’s fellow Pakatan Harapan leaders - DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu - replied similarly when asked after they met the Agong.
Anwar appeals for emergency to end
The Agong summoned leaders of all major political parties in the country for separate meetings, in-person and online. The meetings will take place throughout the week, with the first few held today.
Anwar, who is also the PKR president, said he appealed to the ruler not to extend the state of emergency which was imposed on Jan 11 and is set to expire in August.
"Continuing with the emergency will lead to losses for the country. It does not help in managing the Covid-19 problem and will affect the economy, particularly those lower down (in the strata of society).
"All measures that are needed (to combat Covid-19) do not need an emergency.
"Therefore, we did our best to appeal to His Majesty to prevent an extension (of the emergency)," Anwar said.
The Port Dickson MP said the ruler assured that he will act in accordance with the spirit of a constitutional monarchy based on the advice of the prime minister.
In a statement later, Anwar said he also raised concerns about the high number of Covid-19 deaths and low testing numbers.
He lauded the ruler for his wisdom and concern about the ongoing situation.
Lim: Rakyat need Agong’s help
Lim entered the palace gates at about 2pm and departed at 3.15pm, making a stop to address the media.
He was accompanied by Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong.
The former finance minister said he highlighted the people’s need for financial help during his audience with the King.
“I mostly spoke on the economy and also Covid-19, plus how the rakyat is struggling and need help, including those in opposition areas. We hope the government will give us allocations for the poor,” he said.
“Tuanku is our hope because Parliament is not sitting now and there is no platform for the rakyat to voice their problems. We hope that Tuanku will fulfil the people’s hopes and come to their defence,” Lim said.
The Bagan MP said he also spoke on the need to expedite Covid-19 vaccinations.
He declined to answer when questioned if the Agong had asked DAP about its position on the government.
“I don’t want to comment on that. It is better to leave this to the wisdom of the Agong,” he said.
Mohamad: Parliament must open
Mohamad arrived after Lim at about 3pm and spent about an hour in the palace.
Dressed in a black suit and matching songkok, he said he requested for Parliament to reconvene during his meeting with the Agong.
“I asked for Parliament to be reopened so that we can have a sitting.
“Like in the UK where more sittings were held when the Covid-19 pandemic was at its worst.
“This is because the rakyat want to know what are the government’s programmes to address Covid-19. But for us, Parliament is closed when Covid-19 worsens,” he said.
Asked if Perikatan Nasional (PN)’s legitimacy was raised during the meeting, the Kota Raja MP said no.
“We didn’t discuss about the government or such matters,” he answered.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had his audience with the King at 7.50am this morning, ahead of Anwar, Lim, and Mohamad's meetings.
The current proclamation of emergency has led to the suspension of Parliament sittings.
Even though the Agong had said the federal legislature could convene during the emergency, the PN government has so far refused to do so.
The opposition accused the PN government of using the emergency to retain power under the guise of fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, amid a fragile parliamentary majority.
However, the government said it needed emergency powers to better manage the pandemic. - Mkini
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