Anwar tells all to stop disputing King's powers in appointing PM

 

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said his appointment as the country's 10th prime minister was made based on the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah according to the Federal Constitution. -NSTP/ASYRAF HAMZAH

KUALA LUMPUR: All quarters must put a stop to disputing the powers of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong in resolving issues surrounding the prime minister's appointment.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said his appointment as the country's 10th prime minister was made based on the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah according to the Federal Constitution.

Anwar said all parties must accept the fact that he had been appointed prime minister by the king. He said this matter must be explained to avoid further accusations and confusion on the chronology leading to his appointment following the 15th General Election results.

"Even though former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin claimed to have the support of 115 parliamentarians, the deadline had not passed, which was on the next day at 2pm (Nov 22).

"Nine Umno members of parliament (MP) had then retracted their support for Muhyiddin and GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) stated that it would leave it to the wisdom of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to decide.

"Therefore, the total support towards Muhyiddin had become questionable and thereafter, it was forwarded to the Conference of Rulers, which later made the unanimous decision on the new prime minister," he said.

Anwar was speaking during a press conference after chairing the special cabinet meeting in Putrajaya today. Present were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadhillah Yusof.

Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, took his oath as the country's 10th prime minister in front of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong on Nov 24.

Muhyiddin, who is Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, had reportedly claimed that he received the support of GPS and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), along with a few other MPs, to become the new prime minister.

The Bersatu president was also reported to have sent the statutory declarations of 115 members of parliament as proof to Istana Negara on Nov 21.

Anwar said it was wrong for any party to question the validity of his appointment.

"I feel that everyone must accept the fact and not question or dispute the powers and wisdom of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong. This does not hinder other efforts based on parliamentary democracy," he said. - NST