KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has decreed that the newly appointed Prime Minister must quickly table a vote of confidence in Parliament to prove his legitimacy of majority support among Dewan Rakyat members.
His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said this needs to be done in accordance with Articles 40(2) and 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution.
In a statement today, Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said the King and his deputy, Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah called on all Dewan Rakyat members to be united.
"Both his Majesties are of the view that Dewan Rakyat members must come together in efforts to create unity and unification of all political parties by focusing on current issues and clear up the mess that has occurred immediately," said Ahmad Fadil.
He added that before the ending of the audience with political leaders yesterday, the King had also reminded the main political party chiefs and representatives that for the sake of harmony, the winning Dewan Rakyat member should extend the hand of cooperation to those who did not succeed.
"The King said all parties must be ready to work together as a team. In other words, those who win don't win it all while those who lose won't lose everything," said Ahmad Fadil.
He added that the King's call for all 220 Dewan Rakyat members to present statutory declarations to the palace by 4pm today (Aug 18) was to enable His Majesty to make a decision on the prime ministerial candidate.
"The one Dewan Rakyat member, in his Majesty's view, must command the confidence of the majority of the Dewan Rakyat members as provided for under Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution.
"In this regard, as the head of state, Al-Sultan Abdullah also decreed that he will do his best in carrying out his duties as a constitutional monarchy based on the supremacy of the Constitution and Rule of Law.
"The King will chair a special discussion with the Malay Rulers to deliberate current issues which is scheduled to take place on Friday (Aug 20)," said Ahmad Fadil.
Ahmad Fadil said His Majesties have expressed their views that the prolonged political chaos which sees no end will disrupt governance while the nation was still being threatened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"They had stressed that the political turmoil had brought a profound negative impact on the country's economy. For the sake of the welfare and safety of the people, calling for the 15th general election would not be the best choice at the moment," said Ahmad Fadil.
Ahmad Fadil said His Majesties had consented to the audience yesterday to state their stance for the formation of a stable government the soonest possible following the resignation of the Prime Minister and its cabinet members on Aug 16.
During the audience, Ahmad Fadil said the King said whoever is appointed to lead the federal government must be chosen based on the provisions of the Federal Constitution.
"The King also said the people should not be burdened with endless political chaos at a time when the nation is battling health and economic issues due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Frontliners, he said, are experiencing fatigue due to the emergence of thousands of new Covid-19 patients daily. Moreover, the nation's health facilities are also at a worrying level.
"He also said the consensus and honesty of the Dewan Rakyat was necessary to ensure the welfare and safety of the people will always be priority and they should show solidarity and give their highest commitment to deliver the best services to the people.
"The King also said all existing policies including programmes to fight the Covid-19 pandemic and to achieve herd immunity as well as the National Recovery Plan must be maintained," said Ahmad Fadil.