KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — The Malaysia King said the political turmoil for almost four years in the country could have been avoided if the events that led to the resignation of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad as Prime Minister did not occur.
Speaking in his address at the opening of the first meeting of the second session of the 15th Parliament today (13 Feb), Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said the political crisis could have been avoided if all political leaders and Members of Parliament were willing to set aside their differences and unite on the basis of protecting the interests of the people and the country.
Sultan Abdullah was appointed as Malaysia’s King on 31 January 2019. During his five-year term under Malaysia’s rotational monarchy system, His Majesty said he had gone through “various events and experiences that are difficult for him to forget”.
Only King who reigned with four prime ministers and four different Cabinets
“It is recorded in the history of the country that I’m the only King who has been given the authority to rule the country with four different Prime Ministers and four Cabinets.”
The King emphasized that he never had the intention of interfering in the political landscape of the country but was drawn into the political arena due to the turmoil.
“In reality, I am only fulfilling my duty and the promises required as I have pledged.”
“In my observation, if the episode that led to the resignation of the seventh Prime Minister did not occur, the chain of political turmoil that led up to the 15th General Election (PRU15) could also have been avoided.”
His Majesty was referring to the resignation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 2020 following the political manoeuvre known as the “Sheraton Move”, which led to downfall of Pakatan Harapan government.
Throughout his reign, Sultan Abdullah has witnessed the swearing-in of three Prime Ministers, including Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as the 8th, 9th, and 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia, respectively.
“On 24 February 2020, for the first time, I was brought into the country’s political crisis through the resignation of the seventh prime minister.”
“Following the discretionary powers given to me by the Federal Constitution, I found that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin had obtained the majority to be appointed as the eighth prime minister on 1 March 2020.”
“But unfortunately, he also resigned on 16 August 2021. Therefore, I was again forced to bear the responsibility to choose and appoint a new prime minister,” he said.
He explained that the Federal Constitution required him to appoint a prime minister from among the Members of Parliament who have gained a majority support.
Malaysia faced the impasse of the hung parliament following the conclusion of the GE15.
Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition garnered 82 parliamentary seats, while the Perikatan National (PN) led by Muhyiddin gained 73 seats. Both coalitions fall short of the simple majority of 112 seats.
“After GE15 was completed, for the first time in the country’s democratic history, it was facing a hung Parliament.”
“Therefore, I again had to bear the great responsibility of choosing and appointing the prime minister,” The King said.
His Majesty officially announced Anwar Ibrahim as the 10th PM on 24 November last year.
The King hopes current Malaysia government will remain until the end of its term
The King also emphasized that after 66 years of independence, Malaysia should be mature enough to make diversity and heterogeneity a strength and a mainstay in forming a nation of Malaysians who love and respect each other, are tolerant and live in unity.
He urged the government to be one that is responsible while the Opposition acts as a check and balance that helps to build the government in power.
He hopes for the current government to remain until the end of its term.
“I hope the 10th Prime Minister is the last one for me before I return to Pahang Darul Makmur,” he said.
“On January 30, 2024, I will end my term as the 16th Yang diPertuan Agong. Therefore, this will be the last time I will present my speech here at the August House,” he said.
