PARLIAMENT | After seeing one prime minister resign and having to swear in three more, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah appears to be suffering from “premier fatigue”.
In his final parliamentary address, His Majesty hoped that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would be the last candidate before the king’s five-year reign ends next year.
Sultan Abdullah recalled how he was forced to intervene in national politics after Dr Mahathir Mohamad resigned as prime minister in 2020.
“To this day, I have gone through various unforgettable incidents and experiences.
“It will be recorded in history that I'm the only Agong who has been blessed to reign over the country with four prime ministers,” he said to laughter from the House.
Following Mahathir's resignation, Sultan Abdullah recounted various circumstances which led to his involuntary involvement to appoint Bersatu chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin and Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the eighth and ninth prime minister.
After the 15th general election, which resulted in a hung Parliament, the king said he was once again faced with processes under the Federal Constitution that eventually led to Anwar’s appointment.
“I have provided all the room for parliamentarians to cooperate and find a common ground on principles of unity for the future of the country.
“After taking the approaches set out under the Federal Constitution, I have consented to the appointment of Anwar as the 10th prime minister.
“I sincerely hope the 10th prime minister will be the last for me before I return to Pahang,” said the Pahang sultan who was accompanied by his consort, Raja Permaisuri Agong Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Earlier, Sultan Abdullah congratulated Anwar for successfully proving the legitimacy of his role as prime minister through a confidence motion passed via voice vote in Parliament during a special sitting last December.
The issue of legitimacy arose due to developments after GE15 which saw a shifting of alliances between coalitions in order for one prime minister candidate to gain enough numbers to form the government. - Mkini
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