KUALA LUMPUR: The manner in which Sultan Muhammad V resigned as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong was very courteous, said member of the Perak Royal Council Datuk Seri Mohd Annuar Zaini.
“(In a statement released through Istana Negara), Sultan Muhammad expressed his gratitude to the Malay Rulers who had elected him.
“He also voiced his appreciation to the Prime Minister and the government; and extended his appreciation to the Armed Forces,” Annuar said on the Bernama News Channel’s Ruang Bicara programme on Monday night.
Annuar also revealed that the speed with which the six Malay Rulers convened at the Istana Negara yesterday to discuss the date on which to elect the next King was driven partly by concern over the upcoming Federal Territories Day.
“Feb 1st is Federal Territories Day and traditionally, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong confers federal awards on that day.
“So… a Yang di-Pertuan Agong (has to be in place by then).
“The Malay Rulers’ speed in making the decision shows that they did not want a vacuum (to be left following the resignation),” Annuar added.
In a statement yesterday, the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad said that the Conference of Rulers will convene on Jan 24 for a special meeting to elect the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong and his deputy.
The swearing-in ceremony for the new King and his deputy has been set for Jan 31.